📄 Abstract
India's cut flower industry has emerged as a high-value agricultural segment, transforming rural livelihoods across southern states. This manuscript examines the economic impact of floriculture on smallholder farmers in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh using recent statistical data (2024–2026). National flower cultivation area expanded by 25.24% to 3.97 lakh hectares in 2024–25, with production rising 20.65% to 42.65 lakh tonnes. Southern states account for approximately 47% of national floriculture output, with Tamil Nadu (21%), Karnataka (16%), and Andhra Pradesh (11%) leading production. Cut flower farmers report annual incomes ranging from ₹1.18 lakh to ₹25 lakh per acre, representing 2–3-fold increases over traditional crops. The sector generates substantial rural employment, with over 44 lakh man-days created nationally through government missions, and women constituting up to 70% of post-harvest labour in key clusters. However, post-harvest losses of 30–40%, rising input costs, and market volatility constrain profitability. Strategic interventions in cold chain infrastructure, farmer collectives, and value addition are essential to maximise rural economic benefits.
🏷️ Keywords
📚 How to Cite:
Dr. Manju M. George , CUT FLOWER INDUSTRY AND RURAL ECONOMIC IMPACT ON FARMERS OF SOUTHERN INDIA: A STATISTICAL ANALYSIS , Volume 14 , Issue 9, September 2026, EPRA International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Economic Research (ARER) , Pages: 1 - 8 ,