First of its Kind- an International Flower Auction Centre in India

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

The much awaited International Flower Auction Centre at KAIC, Bangalore, was inaugurated, on January 18, 2007 in Bangalore, at The Karnataka Agro Industries Corporation, Hebbal.

This project is a joint effort of the Central Govt. (APEDA) and the State Govt.

The facility was inaugurated by Shri. KAMAL NATH-Hon'ble Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, and shri H.D. KUMARASWAMY, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka. Also present were dignitaries from the state, and chairman Apeda Shri K.S Money.

The facility is built on a 5.11 acres of land with modern facilities using passive architecture, energy efficient systems, solar energy utilization and automation for efficient handling of the flowers. The total cost for this project is estimated to be approximately Rs.10.00 crores. APEDA's contribution is Rs.3.57 crores and Rs.6.12 crores is from the Karnataka State Govt. in the form of land measuring 5.11 acres, at Hebbal. Further, Rs 3 crores has been sanctioned under the ASIDE Scheme of Govt. Of India, of which Rs 73 Lakhs has been released for creating a state of art electronic auction systems and other flower handling equipments required for auctions , including logistic support.

The Auction center can accommodate over 100 bidders. Only registered producer/buyers are allowed to bid here. Quality of the flowers is checked before putting them to the auction.

The unique design of the complex is based on solar passive architecture principles and is environmentally suitable for the salubrious climate of Bangalore. The infrastructure consists of:

Cold Storage (capacity of 2.5 lakh stems) 300 sq.m
Distribution Hall 400 sq.m
Buyers area 300 sq.m
Auction Hall 300 sq.m

The highlights of the design are :

-- Design fits into rocky landscape with minimal environmental impact

-- Integration of solar passive architecture techniques:

-- Design makes best use of natural daylight to reduce overall electrical load

-- Optimum orientation of individual blocks and features such as earth berms to reduce thermal load

-- Provision for incorporation of:

-- State-of-the-art SCADA based automatic storage and retrieval of flowers

-- Real time integration of E-trading and online accounting with auction

-- Internet enabled auction process, which could be fully integrated to the complete automation, accounting and localized physical auction.

-- Solar photovoltaic panels for power generation

-- Modular design with ample scope for expansion

Salient Features of this flower auction:

-- First time in India
-- All modern cut flowers at one place
-- Transparency in operations
-- Regular payment to growers
-- Cold storage facilities
-- Direct buyer seller contact
-- Good buyers and grower base.

Future plan - The same facilities with similar features is being started in Mumbai and Noida. Internet bidder is the next phase.

MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN, APEDA:

Commercial floriculture has in the recent years, emerged as an economically viable option in agri-business. Recognizing its potential, the Government of India liberalized and streamlined its policies, which played a catalytic role in transforming this sector into an industry with strong growth potential. The Government further promoted the sector through setting up of post-harvest infrastructure facilities, including perishable cargo centers at the gateway airports, wholesale market-cum-flower auction centers and Agri Export Zones.

Floriculture produce from India has earned a good name in the global markets for its quality, even though our share still remains very low. In view of the exponential growth in exports of floriculture products from about Rs. 500 million (1995-96) to over Rs. 3000 million (2005-06), the share of these products in the total agricultural exports from the country is now being duly recognized. Among cut flowers, rose has dominated our product basket, but lately some new crops, particularly bulbous flowers have increased their share.

APEDA hopes that this International Flower Auction Center would open new vistas for Floriculture Exports from India.

Ranii Menon, Communique India, +91 9845027101 info@communiqueindia.in

Source: APEDA (Business Wire India)

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