Bengaluru: The proposed international flower market at Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra (GKVK) has sparked a sharp debate — not just over environmental concerns, but also over the very future of the College of Horticulture, Bengaluru, which risks losing recognition from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

ICAR Land Norms Under Threat

Under ICAR guidelines, a horticulture or agriculture college must have at least 150 acres of land for research and practical training. The state government had assured the University of Horticultural Sciences (UHS), Bagalkot — under which the college functions — that this requirement would be met. However, UHS was allotted only 125 acres at GKVK.

With five more acres now being diverted for the flower market, the college will be left with just 120 acres, well short of ICAR’s mandated requirement. UHS officials had earlier resolved that if the government allocated the remaining 25 acres, the flower market could be accommodated without jeopardising recognition.

Green Concerns and Revenue Loss

Documents accessed by TOI reveal the proposed site houses 942 trees aged 8–12 years and currently generates annual revenue of ₹4.8 lakh for UHS.

While environmentalists and resident welfare groups have raised alarms over tree loss and shrinking campus land, the South India Floriculture Association (SIFA) has insisted no mature trees will be felled. “Any tree that must go will be translocated, and the hub will be a green, eco-friendly space built for farmers’ welfare,” SIFA leaders assured.

Farmers’ Perspective

According to SIFA, the project directly benefits 500 farmers from Bengaluru Urban, Rural, and Chikkaballapur districts.

“Deprived of proper facilities, cut-flower growers are forced to sell produce on Kalasipalya footpaths, battling rain or shine,” said TM Aravind, SIFA president. He added that Bengaluru’s cut-flower market, with a turnover of ₹100–150 crore, is distinct from the traditional KR Market floriculture segment.

Cultivating Dutch roses and other varieties, the sector sees daily transactions worth ₹2–4 crore, with 30% of produce exported to markets in Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Middle East.

“The new air-conditioned flower market near the airport and rail networks will ensure farmers get better prices and export opportunities,” Aravind argued.

Govt Support and Opposition

The government has already released ₹25 crore of the promised ₹100 crore for the project.

SIFA maintains the market will not only support farmers but also help horticulture students by exposing them to post-harvest technologies and market practices. “Activities begin at midnight and wrap up by early morning, so there won’t be traffic snarls during the day,” said PG Raju, SIFA secretary.

Still, with UHS, MLAs, and resident associations voicing concerns, the association says it is open to further discussions.