Thally emerges as India’s floriculture hub; credit goes to IAS officer

 

 

Krishnagiri: There is a village in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district named Thally; it has gained name and fame for its hi-tech flower farming. The area was known for the traditional farming, but due to relentless effort by the District Magistrate of Krishnagiri, K M Sarayu, the destiny of the village has totally changed, turning out to be a new floriculture hub. All credit goes to this IAS officer for this unique transformation.

 

Thally farmers use all the modern techniques for vibrant growth of several flowers, such as roses, gerberas, and orchids. They are being grown in greenhouses where sensors and real-time data control the temperature, humidity, and nutrients. Besides this, post-harvest rooms keep flowers fresh for long periods.

 

Local farmers adopted the scientific way of flower farming, using terms like micronutrients and humidity. Training sessions take place on a regular basis so that farmers can understand the concept of greenhouse setup, how to care for crops, and accessibility of the market. The productivity of flowers has gone up dramatically, which boosted farmers’ profits.

 

Currently, Thally farmers are producing five lakh rose stems every year with the adoption of drip irrigation and other modern techniques. The sale of flowers reaches its peak on several occasions, like marriages and during election time, but on the occasion of Valentine’s Day, farmers earnings reach up to Rs 400 per bunch of roses. Farmers sell their produce directly to buyers through an online Dutch auction system with the help of the International Flower Auction Centre (IFAC). Sarayu’s team has made the growers’ task easy by arranging transport, buyer-seller meets, and organizing packaging training.

 

With this initiative, the district’s floriculture exports have touched Rs 200 crore; cultivation of flowers takes place on 2,000 acres of land. Flowers of the district are now being sold across the country and overseas as well, making it clear with the right direction, rural India has the potential to bloom.