Floriculture in India by GS Randhawa: The Ultimate Resource for Flower Lovers and Entrepreneurs (Free PDF)
Floriculture in India by GS Randhawa: A Comprehensive Guide
Floriculture, or the cultivation of flowers and ornamental plants, is one of the most vibrant and profitable sectors of Indian agriculture. India has a rich and diverse floral heritage, with a long history of growing and using flowers for various purposes. India is also home to some of the most renowned floriculturists and researchers in the world, such as Dr. Gurcharan Singh Randhawa, who has made significant contributions to the development and promotion of floriculture in India.
Floriculture In India By Gs Randhawa Pdf Free
In this article, we will explore the various aspects of floriculture in India, such as its history, current scenario, challenges, opportunities, and future prospects. We will also learn about the book "Floriculture in India" by GS Randhawa, which is considered to be one of the most comprehensive and authoritative sources of information on this subject. If you are interested in learning more about floriculture in India, or if you are looking for a free pdf download of this book, then read on.
Introduction
What is floriculture?
Floriculture is the branch of horticulture that deals with the cultivation and management of flowers and ornamental plants. It includes the production of cut flowers, potted plants, bedding plants, landscape plants, dried flowers, and other floral products. Floriculture also involves the processing, marketing, and distribution of these products to various consumers, such as individuals, institutions, industries, and exporters.
Why is floriculture important for India?
Floriculture is important for India for several reasons. Some of them are:
It provides employment and income opportunities to millions of farmers, especially women and youth.
It enhances the aesthetic value and environmental quality of urban and rural areas.
It contributes to the conservation and improvement of biodiversity and genetic resources.
It promotes cultural diversity and social harmony through the use of flowers for religious, ceremonial, and festive occasions.
It generates foreign exchange earnings through exports of high-quality flowers and ornamental plants.
It stimulates scientific research and innovation in various fields related to floriculture.
Who is GS Randhawa and what is his contribution to floriculture?
Dr. Gurcharan Singh Randhawa (1926-2008) was a distinguished Indian botanist, horticulturist, administrator, educator, author, and visionary. He was widely regarded as the father of modern floriculture in India. He played a pivotal role in establishing floriculture as a scientific discipline and a commercial enterprise in India. He also made significant contributions to the development of other branches of horticulture, such as vegetable crops, fruit crops, medicinal plants, landscaping, etc.
Some of his notable achievements and contributions to floriculture are:
He was the first director of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, where he initiated and coordinated several research projects on floriculture.
He was the founder and chairman of the National Committee on Floriculture, which formulated and implemented various policies and programs to promote floriculture in India.
He was the founder and president of the Indian Society of Ornamental Horticulture (ISOH), which is the apex body of floriculturists, researchers, educators, and entrepreneurs in India.
He was the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Ornamental Horticulture, which is the official publication of ISOH and a leading source of scientific information on floriculture.
He was the author and editor of several books and publications on floriculture, such as "Floriculture in India", "Colourful India", "Ornamental Horticulture in India", "Ornamental Plants: A Handbook", etc.
He was the recipient of several awards and honors for his outstanding contributions to floriculture, such as Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award, Dr. B.P. Pal Memorial Award, etc.
Floriculture in India: History and Development
Ancient and medieval period
India has a long and rich tradition of floriculture, dating back to ancient times. The earliest evidence of floriculture in India can be traced to the Indus Valley Civilization (2500-1500 BC), where flowers were used for decoration, worship, and trade. The Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other ancient scriptures also mention the use of flowers for various purposes. Some of the common flowers grown and used in ancient India were lotus, jasmine, rose, marigold, champa, etc.
In the medieval period, floriculture received a further impetus from the influence of various foreign cultures and religions, such as Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, Christianity, etc. The Mughal emperors were particularly fond of flowers and gardens, and they introduced many new varieties and styles of floriculture in India. Some of the famous Mughal gardens that showcase the splendor of floriculture are Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Pinjore Garden, etc.
British colonial era
The British colonial rule (1757-1947) had a mixed impact on floriculture in India. On one hand, it led to the introduction of many exotic and hybrid varieties of flowers and ornamental plants from Europe and other parts of the world. Some of these varieties are still popular in India today, such as gladiolus, carnation, chrysanthemum, orchid, etc. On the other hand, it also resulted in the neglect and decline of many indigenous varieties and practices of floriculture that were suited to the local conditions and culture.
The British also established several botanical gardens and research institutes in India to study and propagate various plants. Some of these institutions are still functioning today, such as Indian Botanic Garden (Howrah), Lloyd's Botanic Garden (Darjeeling), National Botanical Research Institute (Lucknow), etc.
Post-independence period
After independence in 1947, floriculture in India witnessed a gradual revival and growth. The government recognized floriculture as an important sector of agriculture and initiated various schemes and programs to support its development. Some of these schemes are National Horticulture Mission (NHM), National Horticulture Board (NHB), Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), etc.
The private sector also played a vital role in promoting floriculture in India by establishing nurseries, farms, cooperatives, associations, etc. The Indian floriculturists also adopted modern technologies and methods to improve the quality and productivity of flowers and ornamental plants. Some of these technologies are tissue culture, hydroponics, greenhouse cultivation, drip irrigation, integrated pest management (IPM), etc.
Floriculture in India: Current Scenario and Challenges
Production and export of flowers and ornamental plants
India is one of the largest producers and exporters of flowers and ornamental plants in the world. According to APEDA data for 2019-20, India produced 2.77 million metric tonnes (MT) of flowers from an area of 0.32 million hectares (ha). The major flower crops grown in India are rose, marigold, jasmine, tuberose, gladiolus, gerbera, carnation, orchid, lily, anthurium, etc 71b2f0854b