Question: To which country Geographical Indications (GI) certified Madurai malli and other traditional flowers were exported for the first time on July 8 2021?
(a) United States
(b) United Arab Emirates
(c) Both (a)& (b)
(d) Canada
Answer: (c)
Related facts:
- In a first, consignments of Geographical Indications (GI) certified Madurai malli and other traditional flowers such as button rose, lily, chamanthi and marigold were exported to USA and Dubai from Tamil Nadu.
- This export will ensure Indians living abroad get supplies of fresh flowers to offer them to deities at home and temples on religious occassions.
- The flowers for the consignments were sourced from Nilakottai,Dindigul and Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu by APEDA registered M/s.VanguardExports,Coimbatore.
Shelf Life of Flowers:
- To increase the shelf life of the flowers, Professors from the floriculture department of Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore, had helped the exporters with packaging technology.
- Earlier, farmers were contracted by the exporters to cultivate quality flowers. This also generated jobs for about 130 women and about 30 skilled workers.
Export of Flowers:
- During 2020-2021, the export of fresh cut flowers jasmine and bouquets (comprising of jasmine and other traditional flowers) was valued at Rs 66.28 crores.
- These exports were done to countries like USA, UAE, Singapore, etc.
- Out of the total export value, Rs.11.84 crores worth of flowers were exported from Tamil Nadu region through major airports of Chennai,Coimbatore and Madurai.
About Jasmine:
- Jasmine(Jasminum Officinale) is one of the most popular flowers found across the world.
- The scent of Jasmine is synonymous with the splendor of Madurai’s Meenakshi temple.
- Madurai has emerged as a major market for the malligai grown in its neighbourhood, and has evolved into the ‘jasmine capital’ of India.
By-Amar Mani Upadhyay
Links:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1733645