Bengaluru: The proposed international flower market on the premises of Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra (GKVK) in north Bengaluru has taken an interesting turn. While the South India Floriculture Association (SIFA) insists not a single mature tree will be felled for its creation — and any that must go will be translocated — a much bigger storm is brewing.SIFA leaders have sought to allay fears, claiming the project will be a “green, eco-friendly hub” built for farmers’ welfare. But beyond the environmental debate lies a looming threat that could hit harder: College of Horticulture, Bengaluru, risks losing recognition from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).Under ICAR rules, a horticulture or agriculture college must have at least 150 acres of land for research and practical training. The govt had assured University of Horticultural Sciences (UHS), Bagalkot — under which College of Horticulture falls — of this requirement at GKVK, but in reality, the university received only 125 acres. Now, with five more acres being handed over for the flower market, UHS will be left with just 120 acres — well short of the ICAR mandate.UHS officials initially resolved that if the govt handed over the remaining 25 acres, it could accommodate the flower market on its campus. However, the govt has decided to go ahead with the flower market plan on UHS premises at GKVK. As per documents made available to TOI, there are 942 trees aged 8-12 years in the area, and UHS gets an annual revenue of Rs 4.8 lakh.As per SIFA records, there are over 500 farmers in Bengaluru Urban, Rural and adjoining Chikkaballapur districts. SIFA members clarified the market will not jeopardise any flower vendor’s livelihood at KR Market. “Flower traders at KR Market are different from cut-flower traders. While the former relies on open field floriculture catering to traditional demand, cut-flower traders practise polyhouse floriculture under controlled environment conditions,” TM Aravind, president of SIFA, said.“Deprived of proper market facilities, we are currently forced to sell our produce on the footpaths of Kalasipalya. Rain or shine, the cut-flower market, with a turnover of Rs 100-150 crore, does not have a proper shelter,” he said.Cultivating 6-7 varieties of flowers, the cut-flower sector of Bengaluru is famous for Dutch roses that are in great demand in Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Middle East. “Every day there will be a turnover of Rs 2 to Rs 4 crore, and around 30 per cent of it will be exported… The new market will provide us with an air-conditioned platform, benefiting farmers with better prices,” SIFA chief TM Aravind argued, stating that GKVK has proximity to the airport and rail network. The govt has already released Rs 25 crore out of the promised Rs 100 crore for the project.SIFA secretary PG Raju said be it the university, MLAs or resident welfare associations — who have all expressed concern over the flower market — the association is open to discussions. “The market, after commissioning, will only help students of horticulture by providing market experience, insights into post-harvest technology. Market activities starting at midnight will be over by the early hours, so there won’t be traffic snarls during the day,” he added.
