Kerala to Become the Bromeliad Capital of the World

Love for Bromilards

 Genesis of Bromilard Fandom

Recently in a trip to a house, I saw couple of well maintained and colorful bromilards growing on a rocky garden. This caught my eye, and piqued my interest to come up with this mega plan.

So, the first step would be plan these at my house - build a collection and take it from there! Second, step would be to do my part to make this plant into a celebrity. Well, that's not easy. However, you can influence few people to start growing bromilards in their house, and may be, may be then, it can trigger a chain reaction to make plant into a household name in Kerala. 

Why is this Plan?

First of all, it's clear that this plant is suitable for the tropical weather in Kerala. Second, is that I feel kerala has much untapped potential to turn our state into a horticultural hub, We have great weather for plants such as Orchids, Bougainvilleas, Bromediads ferns, and many other varieties. So, why not utilize this into a business! 

I had earlier written about hosting a bougainvillea fest in Kerala. 👈 Check that blog. 


Intro About Bromeliads

Bromeliads, belonging to the Bromeliaceae family (also known as the pineapple family), are native to tropical regions of North and South America. Europeans first encountered bromeliads during Columbus' second voyage to the New World in 1493, when they discovered the pineapple being cultivated by the Carib tribe in the West Indies.

The commercial pineapple (Ananas comosus) originates from southern Brazil and Paraguay. Following the colonization of the New World, it quickly spread to tropical regions worldwide and is now extensively cultivated in both tropical and subtropical areas. The only bromeliad species found outside the tropics is Spanish "moss" (Tillandsia usneoides). Despite its name, it is neither Spanish nor a moss but an epiphytic bromeliad. Unlike typical bromeliads, it has long scaly stems and small flowers.

Tropical Kerala to Grow Bromeliad in mega farms and in outdoors!

Big audacious plan for starting Bromeliad Cultivation in Kerala

Well, there are many steps required to accommplish such a feat!.To build Kerala as a defacto place for growing bromeliads would require more inputs, capital, manpower and infrastructure. 

1. Research and Planning

Conduct a comprehensive study on bromeliad varieties suitable for Kerala's climate.

Identify key areas for cultivation: households, underutilized lands, government lands, places bordering forest areas, rubber plantations, tea plantations, coconut grooves, pineapple farms, waste land, spots near backwaters, hills, etc. 

Establish partnerships with horticultural firms, local agricultural universities and research centers for guidance and support. 

2. Distribution and Cultivation 

1. Distribute bromeliad saplings to households and small landowners.
   
   
2. Provide easy-to-follow guidelines for planting and maintaining bromeliads.
   
   
3. Government and Vacant Lands
   
   
4. Collaborate with the government to utilize vacant lands and bordering forest areas for bromeliad cultivation.
   
   
5. Implement a land leasing program for bromeliad cultivation on unused government lands.
   
   
6. Rubber and Pineapple Plantations
   
   
7. Encourage rubber and pineapple farmers to interplant bromeliads to increase their income.
   
   
8. Offer training sessions on integrating bromeliad cultivation with existing crops.

3. Promotion and Awareness

Launch a statewide awareness campaign about the benefits of bromeliad cultivation.

Use social media, local media, and community events to spread information.

Highlight the ease of growing bromeliads and their potential economic benefits.

4. Bi-annual Mega Events

Organize bi-annual events: one in Trivandrum and one in Cochin.

Event Activities:

• Exhibitions showcasing various bromeliad varieties and cultivation techniques.
  
  
• Pots, custom bowls and drift wood for growing bromeliad
  
  
• Seminars and workshops by local and international experts.
  
  
• Sale of bromeliads and related products (e.g., driftwood bromeliads, kokedama).
  
  
• Mega Indoor glass tank with bromeliads ( A tropical forest theme)
  
  
• Terrarium with bromeliads

Networking opportunity for Keralam Farmers

• Competitions and awards for the best growers and innovative ideas.
• Networking opportunities for local and international growers.

5. Innovative Growing Methods

Promote unique growing methods like bromeliads on driftwood, kokedama, and growing on trees.

Conduct workshops and provide resources on these methods to make bromeliads more popular and visually appealing.

6. Economic Impact and Job Creation in Keralam

Job Creation:

• Nursery workers for cultivating and maintaining bromeliads.
  
  
• Event organizers and staff for bi-annual events.
  
  
• Trainers and consultants for educating new growers.
  
  
• Portal administrators and support staff.
  
  
• Income for household bromeliad farmers

Economic Impact:

Increased income for farmers through bromeliad sales.

Boost in local tourism and hospitality during bi-annual events.

Growth of related industries (e.g., gardening supplies, decorative items).

Community Benefits:

Improved aesthetic appeal of urban and rural areas.

Enhanced biodiversity and environmental benefits from bromeliad cultivation.

7. Weather and Varieties of Bromeliad Genus

Kerala's climate (abundant sunshine and rainfall) is ideal for growing bromeliads.

Key Bromeliad Varieties:

• Aechmea
• Guzmania
• Neoregelia
• Tillandsia
• Vriesea
• Provide information on the specific care requirements for each variety.

8. Mega Portal for Bromeliad Development

Features of this portal:

Directory of growers and nurseries.

1. Online marketplace for buying and selling bromeliads and related products.
2. Knowledge base with cultivation tips, best practices, and troubleshooting guides.
3. Community forums for growers to share experiences and advice.
4. Updates on upcoming events and news in the bromeliad community.

Implementation:

1. Collaborate with IT companies to develop the portal.
2. Ensure user-friendly design and mobile compatibility.
3. Promote the portal through social media, events, and partnerships with local organizations.
4. Facilitate a forum for buy and sell and distribution of Bromeliad 

By following this comprehensive plan, Kerala can become a key player in the global bromeliad market, generating significant economic benefits and creating numerous job opportunities.

Related link:

1. About bromeliads

2. Bromeliad grower in US

3. Bromeliad grower's website 

4. Floral Daily 

5. Botanicgardens.org.au

6. Josh's Frogs

7. New Orleans grower

Video of a bromeliad grower 

8. Quora - question and answers about bromeliad