A SWOT ANALYSIS OF FLORICULTURE INDUSTRY IN KASHMIR

In recent decades, the global demand for flowers has grown considerably. This growth in market demand and  its diversification value has attracted increasing numbers of developing countries to the global fresh flower trade. Floriculture is a fast emerging and a highly competitive industry in India. It has emerged as a lucrative profession with higher potential for returns compared to other agricultural crops. Flowers today are grown under controlled conditions and with the help of technology; the production has maximized resulting in quality produce for consumer acceptability, thus fetching a better price. In this paper we will provide an introduction about floriculture industry and make a review of the global and Indian scenario of floriculture, then we will provide an overview of the scenario of floriculture in Kashmir. Finally, we will present a SWOT analysis of this industry in Kashmir and try to provide some suggestions for improvement of floriculture. The paper is an attempt to study the present position and future potential in floriculture cultivation and exports in Kashmir taking into consideration the measures needed to promote this lucrative industry.