Floriculture in India has been successfully emerged as a commercial sector for revenue generation by export as well as domestic consumption. In the current Five Year Plan (2007-12) and the last one, horticulture sector (including Floriculture) has been given due priority by proper planning and allocation of resources. As a result, India has transformed into a strong centre of floricultural production and has been reckoned as a new centre in the world map.

Present Floricultural Scenario
Floriculture has emerged as an important sub-sector of agriculture as a source of income for small and marginal farmers. Commercial floriculture has scaled a new height in the last decade to achieve a record production of 987.40 MT of loose flowers and 4794 million cut-flowers. The area under flower cultivation is estimated to be 1,67,000 ha during 2008-09. Main commercial floricultural crops are - Marigold, Jasmine, Tuberose, Rose (with out stem), Crossandra, Gladiolus, which are grown in open filed. On the other hand, Gerbera, Rose (with stem), Carnation, Asiatic Lily, Alstroemia etc. are grown under protected condition (ploy-house / green house) and used as cut-flowers.

Future Plans
Though new technologies and improved planting materials have been adopted, India's contribution by way of export still far behind the desired target. Therefore, proper future planning targeting an all round development tapping existing potential is very much needed so that during 12th Five Year Plan floriculture will surpass all previous record of production and export.

Some suggestive areas, crops, processes, value addition, survey, screening etc. which would be components of future plans are given below.
1. Prospection of Indian plant diversity for screening & development of novel short duration, temperature and drought tolerant ornamental cultivars in view of climate change (Survey of various potential agro-climatic regions in India for screening and identification of new ornamentals having potential traits and development of new cultivars by using various methods of improvement (hybridization, mutation breeding, bio-technological tools).
2. Re-orientation of agro-technologies for open field (loose flowers) / protective cultivation (cut-flowers) of floricultural crops targeting huge domestic market (use of suitable varieties, agro-techniques, improved irrigation system, nutrient management, marketing channel etc.).

3. Dehydration of flowers / plant parts for value addition in the form artifacts / 'Pot Pourri' any other products by standardizing dehydration technique of different flowers, a complete protocol followed by transfer of technology to the entrepreneurs for export by engaging unemployed youths and women.

4. Strengthening / standardization / popularization
of F-1 hybrid seed production of selected seasonal / floricultural crops (Marigold, Petunia, Aster, Pansy, Phlox, Balsam, Sunflower, Zinnia etc.), transfer of technologies to the identified progressive farmers for commercialization.

5. Survey, screening, identification, collection, multiplication, assessment of indigenous genetic resources to be exploited as new ornamentals for commercialization viz. Anemone vitifolia, Aster thomsonii, Erythrina resupinata, Hypericum oblongifolum, Woodfordia fruiticosa etc.

6. Standardization of agro-technology and development of dwarf varieties of high value flowers / foliage plant to be grown as pot plants (Anthurium, Chrysanthemum, Carnation, Daffodils, Dracena marginata, Gerbera, Kalanchoe, Lilium, Orchids etc.).

7. Standardization of packaging techniques (grading, wrappers, vials, boxes / containers, labeling, unit / bulk pack as per international standard including commercialization of technology for export purpose.

8. Standardization of process for manufacturing of pigments, essential oils, natural colours / dyes from flowers. Potential crops are Rosa spp., Jasmine, Murraya exotica, Geranium, Tuberose, Gardenia, Cestrum nocturnum (oils) 'Harsingher' (Nyctanthes arbortristis), Calendula, Cosmos, Carthemus tinctorius, Hibiscus rosasinensis, Elicpta alba etc.

9. Standardization of model of low cost protective cultivation technique (poly-house) for cut-flower production and setting up of 'Pilot Facility' for popularization of amongst small / marginal farmers on cooperative basis targeting domestic markets.

10. Screening, experimentation on Low-cost Poly-house for Gerbera cut-flower production house / foliage plants for controlling indoor pollution capacity followed by selection and recommendation for interior plantscaping.

11. Screening, selection, development of PGRs, assessment of suitability as cutgreens for domestic / export purpose (viz. Eranthemum nigrum, E. bicolor, Dracena tricolor, Melaleuca, Brassica regusa, Setcrasea, Sansevieria, Phalaris arundinacea, Rohoe spathacea etc).

12. High-tech floriculture (Protective cultivation of high value flowers for int'l markets).

13. Standardization of agro-technology, multiplication and popularization of 'Specialty Flowers' Alpinia purpurata ('Red Ginger'), Zingibers - Etlingera ('Torch Ginger'), Curcuma spp. (C. alismatifolia , C. parviflora etc), Heliconia, Strelitzia, Calla Lily, Limonium, Cooperanthes, Zephyranthes, Globba etc. as new flowers attract attention of buyers and market demand.

Prioritization
Moreover, some sort of prioritization has be to be done by giving emphasis to the floricultural crops which have more potential, as enumerated below (Table -1). This will promote an all round development covering all potential aspect besides diversification for domestic as well as international market.

Strategic Promotion and Commercialization
Fast technological development, change of trends of markets, open market, and steep competition are some of the factors which regulate floricultural markets internationally. Steady supply, quality, grading, packaging and transport are also associated with successful marketing of the flower and flower products. Promotion by way of exhibiting Indian flowers and value added products in different international Shows / Expos / Festivals should be taken up in a well planned way for giving exposure to the international buyer to attract attention and widening business opportunities.

Horticulture including Floriculture is growing every year at a galloping speed and the sector has now created enough opportunities for economic growth for India by way export and domestic turnover. Considering its growth potential in future is now termed as "Golden Revolution". Planning and technological back up which have been put behind Floriculture will definitely secure a commanding position in the world.