An entrepreneurship training program on value addition of flower crops was organized on 18.02.2025 by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, in association with Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Hadonahalli, Doddaballapur Taluk. The program aimed to empower women and self-help groups (SHGs) by equipping them with skills to create value-added floral products for income generation. Dr. Hanumantharayappa, Head, KVK, inaugurated the event, highlighting how SHGs could leverage value-addition techniques to boost earnings. Dr. G. R. Smitha, Principal Scientist and Course Director, emphasized the need for flower processing to enhance profitability and extend shelf-life, addressing seasonal market challenges.
The technical sessions covered various aspects of flower utilization. Dr. G. R. Smitha elaborated on the economic and environmental benefits of processing fresh, dried, and discarded flowers. Hands-on training was led by Dr. T. Usha Bharti and Dr. Sujatha A. Nair, who guided participants in fresh flower-based product creation, including different type of flower bouquets. Subsequent sessions by Dr. Sujatha A. Nair, Dr. M.R. Rohini, Dr. T. Usha Bharti, and Dr. G. R. Smitha focused on dry and processed flower products such as flower tinting, embedded drying, essential oil extraction, potpourri, pankhuri, natural dyes, holy colors, floral teas, and epoxy-resin encapsulation. Additionally, participants learned about converting floral waste into incense products like agarbatti and dhoop, reinforcing its economic potential.
The training attracted around thirty participants, primarily women from nearby villages and SHGs. They actively engaged in practical sessions, exploring innovative ways to generate income through floriculture-based entrepreneurship. The initiative not only promoted sustainable business opportunities but also contributed to environmental conservation.
The program was successfully coordinated by Dr. G. R. Smitha, Dr. T. Usha Bharti, Dr. M.R. Rohini, and Dr. Sujatha A. Nair from ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, along with Dr. Hanumantharayappa and Mrs. Meghana from KVK, Doddaballapur. Their efforts ensured an interactive and informative experience, equipping women with valuable skills for financial independence and sustainable floral product innovation.
