IMPACT OF FLORICULTURE IN POTOHAR REGION AND

FEASIBILITY OF NURSERIES

By

Dr. Malik Abid Mahmood

DIRECTORATE OF FLORICULTURE
(TRAINING & RESEARCH) PUNJAB, LAHORE
1
 LIST OF CONTENTS
The following points have been discussed in brief in the present report.

 Introduction of Potohar region.

 A glance at the list of present nurseries in Rawalpindi and Islamabad region.
 A comprehensive list of potential ornamental cops in Potohar region.
 Inflow and outflow of planting material in Potohar region.
 Major cut flower and cut foliage varieties suitable for Potohar region.
 A list of main growers of cut flowers in Potohar region.
 Pre-requisite for floral crops production.
 Feasibility of cut bulbous flowers.
 Feasibility of ornamental plants nursery development.
 Feasibility of cut foliage production.
 Suitability of aromatic, medicinal and essential oil producing plants.
 Introduction of potential wild native plants as new landscape plant species.
 How to improve floriculture industry in Potohar region.
 Conclusion.

2
 INTRODUCTION OF POTOHAR REGION

In the north eastern part of Pakistan and northern side of Punjab lies a plateau
called Potohar plateau. Geographically, Potohar plateau is bounded on the east by the Jhelum
River, on the west by the Indus River, on the north by the Kala Chitta Range and the Margalla
Hills, and on the south by the Salt Range. The Kala Chitta Range thrusts eastward across the
plateau towards Rawalpindi; the valleys of the Haro and Soan rivers cross the plateau from the
eastern foothills to the Indus. Total area of Potohar is 22,254 Km2 (1.8 million hectares) with the
elevation of 350 to 575 meters (1150 to 1900 feet).Out of the total area 0.77 million hectares is
cultivated and the remaining is mostly grazing land. Main districts of the region are Rawalpindi,
Attock, Jhelum and a part of Mianwali. The plateau is blessed with all the four seasons including
winters, summers, autumn and spring. According to the amount of rain it receives (380-500 mm
annually), it is classified as semi-arid region. The rainfall is erratic and mostlyoccur in summers,
monsoon rains are usually accompanied by thunderstorms and occur as heavy downpours
resulting in considerable surface run-off and soil erosion in the hilly areas and uplands.
Conventional horticulture and floriculture are two different domains accepted
internationally. Cultivation methods, customs, perishability and profitability of horticultural and
floricultural crops are distinct. Six percent area is occupied by horticultural crops, whichincludes
fruits (3.5%), vegetables (2.0%) and ornamental (0.5%) cultivation indifferent climatic pockets
of Potohar region.
Poverty elimination and population can be managed by targeting issues in two
ways, (a): firstly by increasing per unit income and (b) creating more on-farm jobs. These both
options are provided by floral crops as they are labor intensive and can generate good income.
Floriculture is not only a lavish business but also a lifestyle.Floriculture is one of the most
thriving components of horticultural as well as agricultural industry. Floral industry of Pakistan
is developing with wonderful prospects and avenues; however, it requires skilled labor and
scientific approach to achieve necessary pace. The consumption of floral commodities is
diversified from fresh flowers to valuable floral products such as essences and perfumes.
Floriculture has great potential of expanding faster as a major sector of economy, particularly in

3
terms of export. Developed countries provide a huge market for flower growers around the
globe.
Diverse agro-climatic conditions of Pakistan favor variety of floral crops’
production including cut flowers, cut foliage, bulbs, ornamental grasses, pot plants, annuals,
biennials, perennials, trees and shrubs. Favorable climate and low cost of inputs compared with
developed agricultural countries can pave the way to farmers’ economic stability. Pakistan has
excellent opportunities not only to fulfil indigenous demands of localmarket but also hashigh
potential for export. Floricultural crops are highly perishable and require immense care for
production and marketing.
Statistical data reveals that almost 10 to 12 thousand tons of floricultural products
are produced in Pakistan on an estimated area of 6880 hectares, however no precise estimate of
cut flower production is available. In Potohar region,there has always been a need of crop
diversification as the land holdings are small and scattered with least opportunity of water
availability. Presently, the government has taken initiatives to develop the mini dams in the four
districts of plateau range namely Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Attock and Jehlum. The Govt. of the
Punjab intends to build 200 mini dams in these four districts. The rainwater harvesting area for
these dams is6-8 acre feet and it can fetch an area of 6-8 acres through drip irrigation system. It
is suggested that cut flower production is good option for better fiscal returns. Cultivation of
ornamental cut flower is neglected by growers due to lack of awareness about economic benefits
of floral crops in Potohar or Islamabad region. The soil type of Potohar region is better for
bulbous plantation because they (tulip, lilium and gladiolus) need soft and well drained soils for
root system development.
In Pakistan, majority of cut flowers are produced in winter season when top cut
flower producing countries of the Europe are covered with snow. During winters high inputs and
modern infrastructure could be used to produce appropriate quality of cut flowersfor export. In
Pakistan, winters are mild and convenient for better quality flower production.Expertise of
farmers in floral crop production can make Pakistan able to earn good amount of foreign
exchange through export of fresh flowers and flower buds like other countries of the region, e.g.,
Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, Singapore and Thailand.

4
 Pakistan has potential for year-round production of cut flowers. Substandard
quality of planting material, inadequate and low financial investments by private sector,
insufficient incentives and support from the government, poor marketing strategies, absence of
standardized packing material and postharvest technology, lack of availability of elitequality
plant material and infrastructure facilities for scientific handling, transportation and marketing
opportunities for growers has made this industry unsuitable for growers and exporters. Keeping
in view the challenges,government may launch incentives by providing seeds, cuttings or
saplings etc. for sowing / planting which should be exempted from the whole of customs duty
and other kinds of taxes. For the storage of export consignments, awaiting cargo at international
airports, walk-in type cold storage may also be set up and a subsidy on air freight may be
allowed for the export of cut flowers. Moreover, duty on advanced machinery for soil
preparation and specified goods for green houses may also be brought down and finally import
of flower seeds and tissue culture material of any plant origin may be allowed. To meet
consumers’demandsat lower costs,floricultural industry needs to boost up the economic
activities,due to which farming community will be able to achieve good income and generate
more employment. Present scenario and future developmental strategies are presented below for
the consideration of policy makers. These strategies have been discussed in brief according to the
list given in the beginning.

PRESENT NURSERIES IN RAWALPINDI / ISLAMABAD REGION

Following are the nurseries located in twin cities along with their location.
Sr. No. Nursery Name Location
1. New Punjab Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
2. Kohat Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
3. Al-Faisal Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
4. Mian Brothers Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
5. Al-Madina Garden Service PeshwarMor, Islamabad
6. Modern Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
7. Saleem Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
8. Pak Flora Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
9. Pot master 2000 PeshwarMor, Islamabad
10. Shaheen Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
11. Unique Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
12. Mardan Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
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13. Fancy Pot PeshwarMor, Islamabad
14. Green Land Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
15. Pattoki Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
16. Madina Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
17. Islamabad Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
18. Khan Landscaping Centre PeshwarMor, Islamabad
19. Ever Green Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
20. Capital Planter PeshwarMor, Islamabad
21. Fateh Muhammad Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
22. Makka Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
23. Hamza Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
24. Classic Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
25. Baloch and Company PeshwarMor, Islamabad
26. Rehmani Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
27. Green view Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
28. Welcome Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
29. Saifur Rehman Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
30. Khan Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
31. Papular Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
32. Gujranwala Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
33. Lahore Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
34. New Agah Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
35. Heaven View Nursery Farm Chak Shahzad, Islamabad
36. Shalimar Nursery Farm Chak Shahzad, Islamabad
37. Aqsa Nursery Farm High Way Rawalpindi
38. Tooba Nursery Farm Kuri Road, Islamabad
39. The Mall Nursery Farm Rawalpindi
40. Wahdat Nursery Farm Rawalpindi
41. Mohsan Nursery Farm Chak Shahzad, Islamabad
42. Green Acer Nursery Farm Rawal Dam Islamabad
43. Plant Master Rawalpindi
44. The Green Impex Islamabad
45. Horti Zone Bahria Town, Rawalpindi
46. Awan Nursery Farm Rawal Dam Islamabad
47. Paradise Nursery Farm PeshwarMor, Islamabad
48. Plant Poineer Nursery Chak Shahzad, Islamabad
49. Azmeer Nursery Chak Shahzad, Islamabad
50. Iqbal Nursery Chak Shahzad, Islamabad
51. Bilal Nursery Chak Shahzad, Islamabad
52. Shalimar Nursery Chak Shahzad, Islamabad
53. Baba Khel Nursery Chak Shahzad, Islamabad
54. Gulbar Nursery Chak Shahzad, Islamabad
55. Sadabahar Nursery Chak Shahzad, Islamabad
56. Green Wood Nursery Chak Shahzad, Islamabad
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57. Uni Flora Nursery Police Lines, Islamabad
58. Green Peace Peshwar Road, Rawalpindi
59. Iqbal Nursery Peshwar Road, Rawalpindi
60. Punjab Green Nursery Peshwar Road, Rawalpindi
61. Allah Towakal Nursery Peshwar Road, Rawalpindi

COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF POTENTIAL ORNAMENTAL CROPS IN POTOHAR

REGION

Sr. No. Name of Plant

1. Aglaonema
2. Amaryllis bulb
3. Washingtoniafilifera
4. Aralia
5. Araucaria
6. Aralia
7. Asparagusdensiflorus
8. Aspidistraelatior
9. Beaucarnearecurvaw
10. Begonia
11. Begonia mix
12. Bird of paradise
13. Bismarckiapalm
14. Bougainvillea glabra
15. Brasiajuncea
16. Chamaedorea elegans (Cane Palm}
17. Caria
18. Cat Palm
19. Chaenomeles
20. Chloro queen
21. Chlorophytumcomosumovatum
22. Coppertinapalm
23. Cycas revoluta
24. Dioon palm
25. Dracaenaand Cordyline (different kinds)
26. Durantarepens (golden)
27. Alocasia (Elephant’s ear)
28. Eranthemum
29. Euonymus green and variegated
30. Euphorbia milli
31. Ficus, different varieties
32. Fig (anjeer)
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 33. Fishtail palm
34. Furcaria
35. Geranium
36. Golden Palm
37. Heptapleurum
38. Hibiscusrosa-sinensis (and other varieties)
39. Hypericum
40. Hydrangea
41. Iresine
42. Jasminumsambac (motia)
43. Jasminum nudiflorum
44. Kalanchoe
45. Ligustrum
46. Money plant
47. Pilea
48. Peperomia
49. Philodendron
50. Phoenix canariensis
51. Pittosporum
52. Podocarpus
53. Psyllium
54. Queen palm
55. Red alternanthra
56. Schinusmolle
57. Setcreaseapurpurea
58. Schefflera
59. Syngonium podophyllum
60. Tecoma (climber)
61. Terminalia
62. Virginia creeper
63. Vitexvinefera
64. Washingtoniapalm
65. Weigela
66. Zamia palm

INFLOW OF PLANTING MATERIAL

The planting material is being propagated in different areas of Potohar region. Namely Murree,
Islamabad, Rawalpindi etc.

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OUT FLOW OF PLANTING MATERIAL

Major plant varieties which are being produced here in Potohar region.

1. Dahlia
2. Fuchsia
3. Ranunculus
4. Cyclamen
5. Osteospermum
6. Ivy hydrea
7. Impatiens
8. Aucuba
9. Different seasonal flowers (summer and winter)
10. Different shrubs (Camellia etc.)
11. Chrysanthemum (different varieties)
12. Roses

DEMANDS OF PLANTING MATERIAL

Major cut flowers and cut foliage of Potohar region are following.

1. Gladiolus
2. Marigold
3. Tube rose
4. Rose (English rose, Surkha rose)
5. Lilium
6. Chrysanthemum
7. Asparagus
8. Ferns
9. Cycusrevoluta (kangi palm)
10. Merwa
11. Thunbergia

LOCAL GROWERS OF CUT FLOWER INDUSTRY

Sr. Name Cut flower varieties grown Area under cut flower
No. crops
1. M. Ashraf, President Gladiolus, Tube rose, Rose, 4 acres
Lilium
2. Hasan Akbar, Sec. General Gladiolus, Tube rose 3.5 acres
3. Blooms inn, F-10- ISD- Gladiolus 4.5 acres
Saifullah
4. Baloch flower gallery, F-10- Gladiolus, Rose 2.5 acres
9
 ISD- Younis Baloch
5. Makka Flower shop, F-10- Tube rose 3 acres
ISD- Khair Din
6. Lahore flower shop, F-10- Orchid, Lilium 2 acres
ISD-Nadeem Abbas
7. Ideal flower shop, F-10- Rose, tube rose, Gerbera 5 acres
ISD-Muhammad Saleem
8. Flower Pot Hut, F-10-ISD- Gladiolus, Tube rose, Rose, 4 acres
Muhammad AkramRanja Lilium
9. Flower palace Rose, Chrysanthemum 4.5 acres
10. Amanullah Rose, Gladiolus, tube rose 3.2 acres
11. Muhammad Rozdar Shop Gladiolus, Tube rose, Rose, 1.5 acres
No.05 Jinnah Super Market Lilium
Islamabad
12. Arif-Shop at Jinnah Super Rose, lilium, Tuberose 2 acres
Islamabad
13. Sarfuddin-Shop No.06 Chrysanthemum, Tube Rose 3.5 acres
Jinnah Super Islamabad
14. Flower Hut-Shop No.06, F- Gladiolus, Rose, lilium 5 acres
10 Markz -ISD-Afzal Khan
15. Mian Abdul Majeed Surkha, Gladiolus, 7 acres, 6 kanals
Jasminum Sambac, Hybrid
Rose.

PREREQUISITES FOR FLORAL CROPS PRODUCTION

1. VARIETIES AND PLANTING MATERIAL

Research on different floral crops must focus for standardizing the growing
technology, harvesting, post-harvest care, new growing pockets identification and devising
profitable marketing channels. In addition to developing varieties of higher yield, research
should also focus on export quality of flowers.
2. CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT
Control over growth environment for flower production is needed to overcome
unsuitable climatic conditions. This trend will bring small land holders towards good income.
3. INFRASTRUCTURE FOR POSTHARVEST
The infrastructure required for postharvest care includes pre-cooling, refrigerated
vans for transportation and air-conditioned storage facilities at points of shipments or airports.
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 4. MARKETS DEVELOPMENT
The measures needed for market developments can increase economic returns of
growers by improving purchase and sale circles amongst farmers and contractors.

FEASIBILITY OF PRODUCTION OF CUT BULBOUS FLOWERS

Planting:
Planting time vary with the variety of the cut flower. Planting time of different
varietiesof cut flowers is proposed as follows
Planting chart

Month Gladiolus Statice Iris Lily

Sept Corms Seed sowing ----- ----
Oct Corms Seed Bulbs sowing Bulbs sowing
sowing/Nursery
transplantation
after 15 Oct
Nov corms --- Bulbs sowing Bulb sowing
Dec Corms --- --- Bulb sowing
+ harvesting 3
months
Jan Harvesting + Harvesting + Harvesting +
3 months 2.5 months months
Feb Harvesting Harvest Harvesting + Harvesting
3 months
Mar Harvesting Harvest Harvesting Harvesting

It is recommended that plantation should be done in batches with some time

interval which will ensure availability of products throughout the growing season and the above
mentioned planting chart is for warmer to moderate temperature regions of the country. Planting
density changes with the plant types and varieties. The plant to plant and row to row distance for
the recommended varieties is provided as follows:

Row and Plant Distance

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 Gladiolus Iris Statice Lily
Plant to Plant 6″-9’’ 6”- 8’’ 12”-15” 6”-8”
distance
Row to Row 12’’-18’’ 12’’ 15’’-18’’ 12’’
Distance
Plant per acre 40,000-50,000 40,000-56,000 20,000-28,000 40,000-56000
OOther Requirements

Gladiolus Iris Statice Lily

Water weekly weekly weekly weekly
Requirements Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
Price per seeds/bulb Rs-7/- Rs-20/- Rs-3/- Rs-50/-
Fertilizer
Rs-21,000/-
Farm yard manure)
Fertilizer pesticides Rs-7000/
Foliar Spray Rs-1500-2000/-

Irrigation:

Most of the cut flower requires water on weekly basis. Water should be provided
analyzing the condition of the soil by looking at dampness. For best results micro-irrigation
system can be used which causes minimum damage to the shoot and flower. Given the
importance of water for cut flower production it is recommended that the farmer should have its
own water source e.g. a well or a tube well.

Harvesting:
Since cut flowers have a very perishable nature, therefore, they are normally
harvested a few days before full bloom to increase their shelf life. Harvesting the flowers early in
the morning also helps in keeping the freshness and hence increases shelf life. Knives and shears
should be kept sharp to ensure that stems are cut evenly and not crushed as crushed stems restrict
the ability of flowers to take up water, thereby reducing their vase life. That’s why workers
should take care so that their output is of high quality.

Picking and Packaging:

Picking must be done early morning and the harvested flowers must be kept in
shade to remove field heat. Use of clean sterilized utensils eg: cutters must be considered. The
flowers are harvested with closed buds if to be marketed to distant places. Before marketing its
better to treat flowers with life enhancing solutions of sucrose other chemicals can also be used

12
like calcium chloride solutions etc. then Packed in cardboard boxes or wooden containers in
bunch foam and then marketed.
Machinery and Equipment’s:
The equipment’s/Tools that are required are as follows:

Machinery and equipment’s

Items Cost Rs
Cutters/Shovels/Carts Rs-25,000/-

Wind Breaks:
Trees can be grown at the edges of the fields to serve as wind breakers.
Depending upon the locality mud walls, other shrubs can also serve the same purpose.

Office Equipment’s/Furniture:

Other Equipment’s:

Items Cost Rs
Furniture 30,000/-
Stationery/Office Equipment’s 20,000/-
Total 50,000/-

Irrigation Cost:
Canal water Irrigation cost is Rs-50/acre and alternate irrigation charges are 700
rupees per hour.

Human resource requirement:

Human Resource:

Description No Monthly salary Yearly salary

Supervisor 1 12,000 144,000
Farm worker (Mali) 1 10,000 120,000/-
Farm worker (Labour) 3 6500 19,500/-

Land Requirement/Office:

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land and other Requirements:
Description Quantity Rent/month/year*
Land 3 acre 5000-35000*
Office/store 1 12,000

It is supposed that the project has been started on leased land on and the land rent
varies from 5,000 to 35,000 as per Location and average of which is used for calculation.

Project Economics
Description unit/Cost (Rs)
Area 3 acres
Capital Cost/Fixed Assets
Machinery and Equipment’s 25000
Stationery /Office Equipment’s 20000
Building Infrastructure 40,000
Bulbs (Gladiolus + Iris) 709,000
Furniture 30,000
824,000
Variable Cost
Land Rent 60, 000
Seeds/Bulbs (Lily + Statice) 672000
Land preparation charges 6000
Irrigation charges 22750
Fertilizer charges 21000
Pesticide cost 7000
Foliar spray 2000
Human resource charges 283,000
Transportation Charges 20,000
Office/Store rent 144000
Miscellaneous 20000
119,7750
Total Cost of Production 2,081,750

Internal Rate of Return (IRR) 76%

Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) 1.98
Pay Back Period (yrs) 1.5 year

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 FEASIBILITY OF NURSERY ESTABLISHMENT

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

Nursery Business could be improved if proper information reached to expected

farming community. This business will be flourishedby meeting the growing need of best
varieties of ornamental plants sapling and seedlings. The nursery industry is a very wonderful
and exciting business. The production of plants for profit has the potential of providing many
personal and financial rewards. However, as with many other farming enterprises that appear to
be very simple on the surface, the nursery business is very complex and requires a great deal of
knowledge and skill not only in production, but also in labor management and marketing.
The nursery industry is very diverse. It is a business, and like any other business,
the probability of success depends on imagination, determination, planning, and good
management of the five major resources.

PRODUCTION PROCESS FLOW

Basic Infrastructure

Plant and Variety Selection

Development and Growth

Distribution

House/Ornamental Plants Nursery

PROJECT COST
Following requirements have been identified for operations of the proposed business.

Table 1: Capital Investment for the Project

Required Capital Amount
2 Green houses 3000 Sq.ft each 500,000
Water Storage Tank 10,000
15
 Pots 45,000
Equipments 20,000
Water Bore 125,000
Peter Pump 100,000
Office and Equipments 100,000
Misc. Expenses 30,000
Total Capital Cost 930,000

RAW MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

Table 2: Cost of Material

Item Unit Qty Rate (Rs) Amount

Land (Leased /
Rentalbasis)
50,000 50000
Plants No 20000 20 400,000
Manure Trolley 15 2000 30,000
Special Soil Trolley 5 2000 10,000
Polythene
Bags/Trays/Pots No 100,000
Total 590,000

HUMAN RESOURCE REQUIREMENT

Table 3: Human Resource Requirement

Description Nos. Salary/employee/month

Expert 1 15,000
Skilled
Labour 2 10,000
Total per
month 35,000
Total per
year 420,000

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REVENUE GENERATION
Sale of house plants, shrubs, ornamental trees will mostly be done during mid-
January to end of March and in July-August during monsoon period in some parts of the country.
Flower nursery plants are sold during the start of winter and summer season. While ornamental
plants can continue throughout the year.

WORKING CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

It is estimated that an additional amount will be required as cash in hand to meet
the initial working capital requirements during operations. The requirement is based on the
utilities, salaries, raw material inventories and miscellaneous expense for at least three months.
The following table gives the break up.

Table 4: Project Economics per year

Sales Price Amount
Products Unit (Rs./Unit) (Rs)
House Plants/palms (4 kanal) 15,000 50 750,000
Ornamental plants (4 kanal)
1. Saplings 80,000 15 1,200,000
2. Cuttings 20,000 2 40,000
Total Sale in second year with full
capacity 1,990,000

Table 5: Working Capital Requirement

Items Monthly Total 6

Charges Months
(Rs.) Charges
(Rs.)
Utilities 15,000 90,000
Salaries 35,000 210,000
Miscellaneous 30,000
Expense 5,000
Total 52,000 330,000

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 Lay out plan for 8 kanal Land Area

50,000 polythene bags 3000 Medium Pots 1500-2000 average Propagation Area
per kanal Per kanal large Pots per kanal
House plants Larger Plants
Water Storage

Raw material and

Store Room

I Kanal = 20 X 273= Office and Front

5460 Sq.ft Sitting area

Two Green Houses

Display Display
One green house can
accommodate 3000
plants

18
 FEASIBILITY OF CUT FOLIAGE PRODUCTION
No. of plants and plantation plan
Ferns Cycas Asparagus Marwa Thunbergia
Plant to Plant 0.5’ 2’ 0.5’ 3’ 2’
distance
Row to Row 1.5’ 3’ 1.5’ 3’ 3’
Distance
Plant per kanal 7260 907 7260 605 907

Ferns Cycas Asparagus Marwa Thunbergia

Cost per 30 200 50 50 40
plant(Rs)

Human Resources
Description No Monthly salary Yearly salary
Supervisor 1 12000 144000
Labor 2 6500 156000

Project Economics
Description unit/Cost (Rs)
Per Kanal land rent(Annually) 30,000
Variety of plants: Ferns, Cycas revolute,
Asparagus, Marwa, Thunbergia One-time expenditure
Land preparation charges(Annually) 20,000 per kanal
Total cost of plants per kanal Ferns: 217800
Cycas: 181400
Asparagus: 363000
Marwa: 30250
Thunbergia: 36280
Irrigation charges(Annually) 15000 per kanal
Fertilizer charges(Annually) 8000 per kanal
Pesticide cost(Annually) 5000 per kanal
Machinery and Equipment’s(Annually) 25000 per kanal
Human resource charges: 300000

Miscellaneous(Annually) 50,000
Total Cost of Production in RS Ferns: 670800

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 Cycas :634400
Asparagus: 816000
Marwa: 483250
Thunbergia: 489280

Revenue generation after one year of plantation.

Ferns Cycas Asparagus Marwa Thunbergia

Sale Price per 2 10 2 3-4 2-3
stick/Rs
Average 05 2-3 05 15 15
yield(number)per
plant per month
Sales per plant 10 20-30 10 45-60 30-45
month/Rs
Sales per 72600 22675 72600 33275 36280
month/kanal
Sales per 871200 272100 871200 399300 435360
year/kanal

Note:Income of the cut foliage nursery will increase every year accordingly as the plants will
develop in growth with the passage of time.

AROMATIC, MEDICINAL AND ESSENTIAL OIL PLANTS

Although peoplehardly consider the value of these plants when weighing their options for a
productive or self-sustaining landscape, medicinal and aromatic plants are a valuable landscape
resource that can provide multiple benefits to both landscape and land owner. Essential oils and
other similar plant extracts are widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries.
Over exploitation of some plant types have put them to the border of extinction. Cultivation of
rare and endangered plants can help to reduce pressure to harvest wild populations, while at the
same time helping to ensure the survival of these species.At present usually, the use of such
plants is under estimated in traditional landscape. It can be perceived that growing these plants
and integrating them into our lives as medicine deepens our relationship with these plants and to

20
the ecosystems around us. A short list of these plants is given below, though many more can be
added after careful study.
Sr. Name of Plant Scientific Name Main Uses Comments
No.
1 Ghikanvar Aloe vera Leaves, gel, sap A wide range of applications
of leaves and gel. It grows
well in the sandy coastal to
loamy soils with pH upto
8.5. Plants are planted at
spacing of 60×45 cm, 4-5
irrigations in a year, yield on
fresh wt. basis is 10000-
12000 kg /ha.
2 Agave Agave americana Leaves, roots, Sap has anti-inflammatory
sap properties, used externally
for burns, bites and stings.
Root is used in commercial
soap production. Well
drained soil, full sun, min.
temp. of 5°
3 Periwinkle Catharanthus Leaves, stems, Plant contains about 70
roseus seeds, roots useful alkaloids, anti-cancer,
useful in diabetes, high
blood pressure. Propagation
by seeds and soft wood
cuttings, can grow up to an
elevation of 1300 m above
sea level.
4 Foxglove Digitalis purpuria Leaves A beautiful winter season
flower, propagation through

21
 seeds, can be grown up to an
altitude of 200 m above sea
level. Leaves are used to
prepare medicines for heart
diseases.
5 Peppermint Mentha piperata Whole herb Plant contains about 1.5%
essential oil of which
menthol is the main
constituent. In medicines it
is used against stomach
disorders, coughs,
inhalations, etc. propagation
through root divisions and
stem cuttings.
6 Basil / Tulsi Ocimum sanctum Whole plant Leaves are abundant in
tannins, used in cold, cough,
indigestion, nausea and
many other diseases.
Tropical, up to an altitude of
900 m, propagation through
seeds.
7 Galo bel Tinosporacordifolia Whole plant A perennial climber,
contains a wide variety of
sesquiterpenes, valuable in
skin infections, blood
purification, diabetes, blood
pressure, abdominal pains,
etc. propagation through
stem cuttings, grows in any
type of soil under varying

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 climatic conditions.
8 Hollyhock Alcearosea Seeds and A common annual or
flowers. biennial flowering plant,
overlapping in winter and
summer seasons,
propagation through seeds,
grows well in a sunny
location and well drained
soil. Flowers and seeds are
used to make cough syrups
and to treat chest
congestions.
9 Pot marigold Calendula Whole flower, A very common and
officinalis dried or fresh, beautiful winter annual,
petals propagation through seeds,
can be cultivated easily, anti-
inflammatory, antiseptic,
antibacterial antifungal,
makes ointment for skin,
petals can be used in rice
and salads, are added to face
and hand creams.
10 Safflower Carthamustinctoris Flowers, seed, A hardy annual, a dye plant,
oil oil is extracted from seeds,
grows in any well drained
soil and tolerates dry
conditions, propagation by
seed. Tea made from fresh
of dried flowers induces
respiration, reduces fevers,

23
 mildly laxative, flower
petals are used in coloring
foods instead of saffron, oil
is low in cholesterol.
11 Cornflower Centaurea cyanus Flowers A popular annual, grown
from seed, likes well drained
soil in a sunny location,
dried flowers can also be
used in pot-pourris, has little
importance medicinally,
traditionally can be used as
eyewashes for tired or
strained eyes.
12 Lemon grass Cymbopogon Leaves, stems, Essential oil has antiseptic
citratus essential oil properties, is used for
rheumatic pains, ringworm
and scabies, gastric upsets,
and is widely used in
commercial perfumery and
cosmetics. Needs well
drained soil but plenty of
moisture.

A number of other plant species which are also important as ornamental plants like nasturtium,
dianthus, California poppy, hibiscus, sunflower, honey suckle, flax, curry leaves and many others
can be planted successfully in Potohar region. So far research and efforts in this domain are quite
meagre.
INTRODUCTION OF POTENTIAL WILD NATIVE PLANTS AS NEW
LANDSCAPE PLANT SPECIES

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 Worldwide there is hue and cry about the judicious use of native plants as the invasive
species have largely overtaken the indigenous plants. Perhaps the true potential of many native
plants has not been exploited in letter and spirit. A great amount of useful research has already
been conducted on the landscape use of such native plants and many species have been
successfully introduced in urban, road side and industrial landscapes throughout the world. Many
wild native plants can be introduced as new ornamental plant species. Native or indigenous
plants have many advantages over invasive plants introduced from abroad, like easy adaptation,
easy propagation, low water and food requirements, supporting wild life, etc. There is great need
to explore the potential of these native plants in landscape.Some of the plants native to Salt
Range and Potohar region are named as under.
Stipagrostisplumosa (a perennial grass)
Echinopsechinatus (globe thistle)
Nannorrhopsritchiana
Pennisetumorientale (native to salt range)
Ipomoea carnea

HOW TO IMPROVE FLORICULTURE INDUSTRY IN POTOHAR

REGION:

Introduction:

Potohar region has small farming households, where floriculture is one of the best
options of enhancing the income of the under-privileged community. Introduction to the
floricultural crops could be an important intervention in this regard where the farmer can earn
much more by exploiting available natural resources more efficiently. In this region the farmers
have favorable climate and cheap labor for growing floricultural crops whereas they need much
less land and water for production.
These floricultural crops also give the premium prices almost round the year and
there is no need to wait for a long time as in the case of other conventional crops. Net profit
against the investment is much higher for these crops compared with others conventional crops.

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The products are in high demand all over the world. But in Pakistan, floriculture is in its
embryonic stage.
Many constraints are hindering the proper development of floriculture in Potohar
region. There are lack of resources and skilled persons to develop the floriculture industry up to
international standards. It is need of the time to produce skilled persons and explore new means
of development in floriculture sector. This will ensure survival of our farmer and explore
marketing to save our economy as well as increase in our exports.

Cultivation of flowering crops in Potohar Region:

The Potohar region has been bestowed with comparatively moderate climate which is
quite suitable for the production of exotic bulbous flowers, especially the winter and early spring
bulbous flowers due to less water requirement compared to summer flowers. The ornamental
bulbous flowers are considered to be premium quality cut flowers especially Gladiolus and
Liliums. The production of high quality flowers and bulbs in this region are benefitted from
relatively cheap labor and suitable climate.
Flowering bulbs suitable for Potohar region:

Adaptability studies of important winter and or early spring exotic bulbous flowers
checked through adaptation trials showed that Narcissus, Daffodil, Ranunculus, Freesia, Dutch
Iris, Sparaxis, Gladiolus and Hyacinth can successfully be grown and further propagated in
Potohar climate. Narcissus, Freesia and Hyacinth have matchless fragrance and are available in
delightful color options. Whereas Ranunculus, Gladiolus, Dutch Iris and Sparaxis provide
creative and artistic approach for wonderful color combinations due to magnificent color range.
The introduction of Liliums in the recent past is another achievement of floriculture sector in this
region.

Problems faced by the floriculture producer:

• Lack of availability of quality planting material in the desired variety.

• Non-availability of appropriate facilities for harvest and post-harvest management.
• Imbalance fertilizer application
• Non-availability of sufficient amount of water in accordance to its need.
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• Low productivity and high cost of production due to lack of technical trainings.
• High percentage of postharvest losses
• Inadequate storage facilities and outdated methods used in processing/packing
• Inadequate market information
• Difficulty in obtaining a suitable land for expansion and obtaining financial assistance.
• Lack of irrigation facilities
• Non-availability of cold chain storage facilities
• Lack of appropriate packaging for floriculture produce.
• Lack of well-established information database.
• Lack of infrastructure to support the technology development, Education and training.

Opportunities:
• Continued development of exports of high quality flowers and bulbs into overseas markets,
with special emphasis of roses for oil extraction.
• Continued support for the expansion and development of the flowers bulb sectors of the
industry.
• Encouraging and supporting the formation of bulb certification scheme, particularly for bulb
exports.
• Promoting opportunity for the development of native flora for the domestic and export markets.
• Identification of market niches that can be supplied take advantage of Pakistan’s climate.
• Increase the networking ability of the industry and the work with key grower groups to increase
their market access.
• Increase the industry’s access to skill-based training schemes.

Challenges:
•With someoversupplied popular flower types in the international markets, ensuring the quality
and quantity of products will be important to maintain market share and development of export
opportunity.
• Increasing national coordination of the industry to maximize the effectiveness of marketing
promotion in export market.

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• Ensuring the availability of skilled labor during harvesting. Processing is labored intensive and
vital for the product quality.

CONCLUSION
Floriculture industry has the great potential to generating employment for growing
population of Pakistan. The initiatives are required to be taken by the government for maximum
involvement of private sector by facilitating people to grow floricultural crops and to learn about
postharvest technologies for better harvest of cut flower and other commodities related to this
domain. The research and development activities must also be extended for introducing elite
cultivars to resolve different issues and problems of floriculture industry. New domain of
extension education services is also needed to be incorporated for cultivation of floricultural
crops and their postharvest handling. These new initiatives will bring positive change in
floriculture industry which ultimately boosts individual economy of farmer.

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