Pune Rose Cultivation Shifts Towards Sustainable Practices

Pune: Rose growers operating protected cultivation units across Jathegaon village near Shikrapur are being encouraged to adopt more sustainable farming methods as agricultural experts promote science-led practices aimed at improving crop health, reducing chemical dependency and strengthening long-term productivity. The initiative reflects a wider effort to make high-value horticulture more resilient while supporting farm incomes and responsible resource management.

Jathegaon has emerged as one of Pune district’s notable clusters for protected floriculture, with nearly 20 polyhouse units cultivating roses across plots ranging between one and two acres. As commercial flower production continues to expand, maintaining soil quality, managing pests efficiently and reducing input costs have become increasingly important for growers facing changing climatic conditions and volatile market demand. During field interactions with cultivators, agricultural scientists reviewed existing production practices and demonstrated techniques designed to improve the sustainability of protected rose cultivation. Farmers received practical guidance on balancing nutrient management by reducing excessive dependence on conventional fertilisers while increasing the use of biological inputs such as biofertilisers, microbial formulations and plant biostimulants. Experts explained that improving soil microbial activity can enhance nutrient availability, strengthen plant resilience and contribute to healthier crop growth over time.

Particular emphasis was placed on Integrated Plant Health Management, a preventive approach that combines biological, cultural and monitoring measures to minimise crop losses. Farmers were advised on strategies to reduce the incidence of common threats affecting polyhouse roses, including insect infestations and bacterial diseases that can significantly impact flower quality and commercial returns. Demonstrations on installing coloured sticky traps illustrated low-chemical pest monitoring techniques that enable growers to identify infestations early before resorting to extensive pesticide applications. Field visits across multiple cultivation units also highlighted the importance of Good Agricultural Practices, including maintaining clean production environments, improving polyhouse hygiene and adopting systematic crop management routines. According to agricultural specialists, consistent implementation of these measures not only improves flower quality but also enhances operational efficiency, helping growers remain competitive in premium horticultural markets. The programme additionally showcased integrated farming approaches where organic waste generated from poultry can be converted into nutrient-rich manure for protected cultivation systems. Such circular farming models have the potential to reduce input costs while lowering environmental impacts associated with synthetic fertilisers. Demonstrations on the role of plant biostimulants further illustrated how biological solutions can improve productivity without increasing ecological pressure.

Experts also encouraged growers to strengthen market access through collective institutional models such as Farmer Producer Organisations, which can improve bargaining power, facilitate input procurement and support organised marketing. Information on government support for protected cultivation infrastructure was shared to improve awareness among cultivators considering expansion or technological upgrades. As climate variability increasingly influences agricultural production, wider adoption of protected rose cultivation supported by scientific crop management and resource-efficient practices could help Pune’s floriculture sector balance commercial growth with environmental responsibility. Continued technical outreach and farmer collaboration are expected to play an important role in improving the long-term sustainability of protected horticulture across the region.

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Pune Rose Cultivation Shifts Towards Sustainable Practices