A million red roses from Kolhapur sent across the world

KOLHAPUR: Over a million red roses grown in nurseries around Kolhapur are catching the eye at florist stores across the world ahead of the Valentine’s Day on Thursday.
Agriculture firms in the region have taken the lead in exporting the flower to Japan, Australia, Greece, Malaysia, Singapore, United Kingdom and Europe. Even markets in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Chennai are flooded with the blooming buds.
Jaysingpur-based Shrivardhan Biotech, which is around 20km from Kolhapur, has exported over 8 lakh mostly red roses.In addition, around 3 lakh roses have been supplied across the country.
Ramesh Patil, CEO of Shrivardhan Biotech, told TOI that due to the chilly winter this season, the production of the flowers hampered a lot. “We have still managed to complete the consignments on time. Due to the limited production, the demand was high.”
He said that they had received special demand for consignments of red roses from four countries — Australia, Britain, Greece and Japan.
Experts said that it costs around Rs 10 for a farmer to cultivate a rose, including the transportation costs. If the flower sells at Rs 25-50 in the international market, it brings them good money.
In Kolhapur city, florists said that they were getting a lot of demand for loose flowers. Streetside florists in Rajarampuri and Mahadwar areas are demanding a price of Rs 20-50 for a red rose.