Lilium: Agrotechnology  

Lilium is a high value bulbous floriculture crop and ranks fourth in demand in the international flower trade. Annual demand of Lilium in India is around 4 million bulbs which are imported from the Netherlands. Lilium cultivation in Indian plains is less remunerative due to high procurement cost of bulbs each year. Tropical conditions in the plains restrict flower production in subsequent years and cold storage is required for bulb storage during summer months, which adds to the cost of production. The climatic conditions for Lilium flower and bulb production are congenial in Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh. The chilling requirement of lilium bulbs is met naturally during the winter months in the valley.

The global trade of Lilium in the International market is estimated at USD 155 million. Besides off-season flower production, bulb production of Lilium in Lahaul can be a lucrative enterprise for the farmers to meet the annual demand of Lilium bulbs being imported in the country from abroad.

• Off-season cut-flower production fetches premium returns to the farmers
• Suitable for flower and bulb production under open cultivation in mid hills and high hills of Himalayas
• Vase life is about 10 years

• CSIR-IHBT Provides

  • Bulbs of lilium to the farmers
  • Training on agro-technology