Value Chain Management and Value Addition of Roses in Karnataka: Implications of Smart Agriculture

Abstract

Agriculture and allied sectors support rural livelihoods in India, and floriculture has emerged as a high-value component of horticulture. Roses are particularly important because of their cultural, ornamental, and commercial uses. This study analyses the rose value chain in Karnataka. Primary data were collected through a multistage purposive sampling procedure from 80 rose growers in Bengaluru Rural and Chikkaballapura districts, together with wholesalers, retailers, and processors. Secondary government data were used to examine trends in area, production, and yield. The analytical tools included the compound annual growth rate, the Cuddy Della Valle Instability Index, marketing efficiency indices, and the producer’s share in the consumer’s rupee. Karnataka recorded the highest rose yield and a substantial share of national production, although production and yield showed considerable variability. Processing roses into rose water and gulkand increased product value, with gulkand recording value addition of 57.03 per cent. The marketing analysis showed producer shares of 95–96 per cent and marketing efficiency indices of 19.58 for rose water and 24.79 for gulkand. The findings indicate that value addition and structured marketing channels can enhance returns within the rose value chain. Smart agriculture tools, including IoT-based monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and e-marketing platforms, may further improve coordination, reduce post-harvest losses, and support more efficient and sustainable floriculture systems in Karnataka.