Chandigarh, Nov 6: Lilium, a high-value ornamental flower crop known for its fragrance and aesthetic appeal, is emerging as a lucrative diversification option for Punjab farmers looking to boost profit margins through protected cultivation systems. Experts from the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping at Punjab Agricultural University maintained that the crop’s growing domestic and export market demand makes it an attractive enterprise for progressive growers.
PAU scientists Dr Ranjit Singh and Dr Tanya Thakur asserted that Lilium is cultivated globally both as a cut flower and a decorative pot plant. Among its various hybrid groups, LA hybrids have shown the best performance under Punjab conditions due to their wide colour range, attractive blooms, and pleasant fragrance.
The crop performs best in naturally ventilated polyhouses under Punjab’s subtropical climate. Proper post-harvest handling, including treatment with preservative solutions and low-temperature storage, can extend the flower’s vase life up to two weeks, further helping growers maintain produce quality for distant markets.
