Bengaluru’s rose exports more than halve in five years, but domestic markets surge

Bengaluru's rose exports plummet over 50% due to rising costs, while domestic demand for roses significantly increases.

Bengaluru’s rose exports to global markets to cater to the Valentine’s Day demand have shrunk by more than 50% in five years.

The rose exports fell from five to six million stems five years ago to 10 to 15 lakhs in the current season, apex body representatives and farmers told The Hindu.

The export of roses became unviable for most growers as the government introduced 18% GST on freight on the sector.

A variety of roses kept ready for auction in Bengaluru on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

More so, it was already reeling under huge cost pressure, especially after the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in 2021 withdrew transport subsidy scheme that used to offset high freight costs for certain agriculture, horticulture and floriculture produce, including roses, said stakeholders.

“With 18% GST and without support from the APEDA, the export cost has gone up substantially to the extent of making global markets unreachable for many farmers in India. The landing cost of our roses in global markets are much higher than the prices of roses from Ethiopia or Kenya,” said T.M. Aravind, president of the South India Floriculture Association (SIFA).