For the first time ever, Geographical Indications (GI) certified Madurai jasmine and other traditional flowers such as button rose, lily, chamanthi, and marigold were exported to the US and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Tamil Nadu. This will fulfil the Indian diaspora’s need for fresh flowers for deities at home and temples.
The flowers were sourced from the three districts of Tamil Nadu i.e., Nilakottai, Dindigul, & Sathyamangalam.
During 2020-2021, fresh cut flowers jasmine flowers andbouquets (comprising of jasmine and other traditional flowers) valued at Rs 66.28 crores were exported to countries like USA,UAE, Singapore, etc. Out of which, value of Rs.11.84 crores were exported from Tamil Nadu region through major airports of Chennai,Coimbatore and Madurai.
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.
