KF BIOPLANTS (KFB) is an Indian Company established in 1997 as a Joint Venture between FLORIST from the Netherlands and Indian shareholders, with the initial objective to propagate the Gerberas designed by Florist and address both the export markets and the Indian domestic market. Gerberas are ornamental flowers from the sunflower family. FLORIST provides KFB the mother plants, which are then multiplied in India.
Over the years, the company developed new collaborations with European breeders: other flower varieties, vegetables, fruits such as bananas and strawberries. KFB is now able to offer a broad portfolio of products to clients wishing to diversify their production.
Propagation is a labour intensive activity. In India, where wage scales are lower than in developed countries, plants are being produced at much cheaper rates. Most of the operators are women. It is quite unlikely that the process could be automatized in the future. KFB employs almost a thousand workers out of which 85% women.
Labour-intensive activity.
Technology transfer to company and to growers.
Improved economic opportunities for farmers: Inputs to smallholders. KFB helps its clients (mostly small farmers) with technical assistance and plays a leading role in consolidating the floriculture industry in India.
Employment creation in rural areas: Creation of employment for low-educated women.
Location: India, Maharashtra, Pune