Delhi is the convergence point of flower dealers. Flower traders in other major Indian cities have contact with flower traders in Delhi and not with the flower traders at the point of origination of the flowers. Flowers from Bangalore are re-routed through Delhi to Ahmedabad. Orchids are imported from Thailand and then the orchids are exported to Singapore.
India's flower production stands at around 1000 tonnes per annum and most of the flower trade occur in the Delhi region.
Many flower varieties are transported to Delhi from Pune and Bangalore. These include the popular rose, carnation and bird of paradise. Lucky bamboo and Orchids are imported from Thailand. Kolkata exports Marigold flowers to Delhi. The beautiful Gladioli flower comes to Delhi from all parts of India. Lilies are sent to Delhi from Bangalore. The small town of Muzaffarnagar sends the flower of romance- Rajanigandhas. The hill towns of Simla and Kullu send stunning tulips.
There are a total of about 500 flower sellers in Delhi. The flower trade in Delhi is disorganized. Delhi Florists face a lot of hassles while conducting their business. A majority of them does not possess a business license. Corruption, and preferential treatment from the government authorities are common. The Florists in Delhi faces numerous hurdles when transporting the flowers from one place to another.
The biggest problems of Delhi Florists are the lack of cold storage and display facilities. Flowers are perishable, and the Delhi Florists have to protect the flowers from extreme Delhi heat and the torrential monsoon by installing temporary plastic shelters, which are woefully inadequate.
Buying Flowers in Delhi
Delhi is Asia's largest flower market. Buying Flowers in Delhi is therefore the easiest task. The broad area of Connaught Place is the site of the largest flower market in Asia. There are two other flower markets in the city of Delhi-one at Fatehpuri in Chandni Chowk and the other at Mehrauli.
The three markets are differentiated by their distinctive product category: the florists at Connaught Place sells a majority of cut flowers, the traders of Chandni Chowk specialize in Puja flowers and the traders of Mehrauli supplies Marigold flowers in bulk.
The business of selling flowers involve various skills, the florists must choose flowers that will look good together, the process of cut, treat and arrange flowers and other stock plants so that they remain fresh as long as possible and selling them-which in turn requires an in-depth knowledge of customer expectations and requirements. The florists of Delhi are adept at these practices. The Delhi Florists are skilled at forming wreaths and bouquets from different flower combinations.
The founder of the Connaught Place flower market is Mr. Brij Mohan Khanagwal- popularly known as Birju Bhai. He is also the one of the chiefs of All India Cut Flower and Grower Association.
Quality is the catchword of the Delhi Flower market. Flowers should be free from diseases and they should be undamaged. These factors determine the market value of the florist. The florists who have consistently delivered on quality can command a higher price for their goods when compared to small petty and irregular florists whose product quality is unknown.
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