In a bid to encourage cultivation of exotic flowers, fruits and vegetables in Gujarat, the state government is planning to take up the number of greenhouses from current 150 to around 1,000 in next three years. The state government is offering several incentives to encourage cultivators for developing greenhouses.
"We have already seen 150 greenhouses coming up in Gujarat in last one year. The role of protected cultivation in greenhouses is increasing globally.
"In Gujarat as well, we want to encourage cultivation in greenhouses, especially that of exotic flowers, fruits and vegetables.
"In next three years, we hope to add another 850 greenhouses in Gujarat," said Dileep Sanghani, minister of state for agriculture and cooperation, government of Gujarat on the sidelines of a seminar on 'Agribusiness -- Opportunities and Challenges' on Wednesday.
While the central government already offers a 25 per cent subsidy for greenhouse development, the Gujarat government is also providing a 50
per cent subsidy for greenhouse structure.
Moreover, according to SR Chaudhari, director of horticulture, Gujarat government, cultivators can also avail a six per cent interest on subsidy and 25 per cent subsidy on electricity, for five years each.
"In terms of project cost, it takes an average Rs 26 lakh (Rs 2.6 million) per greenhouse per acre, while cultivators earn an average profit of Rs 500,000-600,000 per greenhouse.
Currently, India contributes only one per cent to the total $ 7,400 million fresh floriculture trade globally. We hope to see Gujarat's contribution in this to increase in the near future," said Chaudhari.
Among suitable crops, Gujarat is looking at Dutch Rose, Gerbera and Colour Capsicum, among others things.
