Feasibility of Commercial Rose Farming

[Vegalinks]

Dear all,

I would like to know pros and cons of commercial rose gardens and whether it is a fruitful activity in Pakistan?

I'm based in Faisalabad and very much interested in planting roses for local market (not for export).

Any experienced grower would help in this regard like its economics, investment, cultivars, management issues etc

Thanks in advance.

[Munir]

KBW's advice should be useful. Feasibility studies may also be available on net; I remember having seen one somewhere a year back, probably on SMEDA's Website.

[KBW]

So you are looking for cut flower business?

[Vegalinks]

So you are looking for cut flower business?

Yes

[Farhan Ahmed]

Only if you are located North of Islamabad such as Abbotabad/Mardan. Or else extra-ordinary measures will be required. On the other hand flower size/bloom count will also be reduced.

[KBW]

Vegalinks
Brother though colder areas are more suitable but there is lot of cut flower business in areas south of Islamabad. You must be having a few in your areas as well. Look around and search for one. Local knowledge is vital. Since I do not have exact knowledge of growing cut flower roses in your area so I will refrain from saying anything specific. Check from your local nurseries and they will have info about the rose farms in the area, if any. If not, go to Pattoki. Please only consider the advice of those who are in the business and have local knowledge of the project. Cultivars that are being grown in Abbotabad may be difficult to grow in Faisalabad or it might just work. Local knowledge is essential..

It will be a good idea to study about roses and visit a few rose farms. This business requires specific knowledge and if you don't have it, you are at a big disadvantage.

Best regards

[Munir]

I second KBW.I have seen a modest size cut flower farm in Gujranwala back in 92-93, growing both Glads & Roses.I think it is also grown around Pattoki,the main market from where the major supplies are made, at least in Punjab.Then,doesn't Pattoke grow most of the yough rose plants for supply all over Pakistan? Therefore, in my view the best place to get information should be Pattoki.

[Vegalinks]

Thank you guys for your valuable input.

there are few rose farms in Faisalabad including glass farms at University of agriculture and others doing this business successfully. A guy from our village planted 4 kanals of rose garden lately and he was a great success, now he installed 1 acre farm. That was my encouragement actually to go for this business. Local demand is huge for roses.

You all are right about the study of proper cultivars for my local environment and I think that is a must and Pattoki is a best option because all nurseries and gardeners goes there for purchasing/researching for such projects.

[KBW]

If you have the local expertise available than its great. Just go to the farm and see what cultivar(s) is he growing? What was the size and price of plants? How did he prepare the ground (this is very important)? What are watering arrangements? What fertilizers he is using and with what frequency? Any diseases / problems? Note down the things and go to the second farm. Compare. That will give you a fair idea. Who will look after the project? Are you going to do it yourself or you are going to hire someone? For good business, you don't have to make the plants just survive. They need to perform outstandingly otherwise profit margin will reduce. And please, avoid internet scholars. I wish you all the best.
Regds

[Vegalinks]

Thank you brother once again for input.

BTW, love the term Internet Scholars