Kerala’s Floral Exports: Insights on the Cut Flower Trade

Abstract

This study undertakes a comprehensive examination of Kerala's burgeoning floriculture sector, with a focused inquiry into the dynamics of cut flower production and export performance. Leveraging the region's heterogeneous agro-climatic zones, the analysis documents a marked expansion in cultivation area, production output, and yield metrics from 2014 onward, signaling systemic growth within the industry. While Kerala has achieved significant market penetration in high-value destinations—including the United States, Canada, and Singapore—underscoring the international demand and quality compliance of its products, critical impediments persist. These include logistical inefficiencies in cold-chain management, insufficient governmental policy frameworks, and infrastructural gaps in transportation networks. Furthermore, financialization challenges, such as currency exchange volatility and inadequate insurance frameworks for perishable commodities, exacerbate export-related risks. The study posits that institutional interventions targeting pre- and post-shipment protocols—including streamlined export financing, risk mitigation strategies, and enhanced phytosanitary certification processes—are imperative to sustain competitive parity in global markets. Emphasizing the necessity of public-private partnerships, the analysis advocates for coordinated policy reforms to strengthen supply chain resilience and value-chain integration. By delineating these structural and operational dimensions, this research establishes a foundational framework for strategic policymaking aimed at consolidating Kerala’s foothold in the international floriculture trade while addressing systemic vulnerabilities.