Soil, Climate, Irrigation and Market Accessibility in NCR Haryana: A Floriculture Perspective

Abstract

Floriculture has emerged as a high-value agricultural activity in Haryana, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR), where proximity to Delhi provides farmers with unique opportunities for income diversification and market expansion. This paper analyzes the geographical and agro-economic determinants of floriculture in NCR Haryana with specific focus on soil types, climatic conditions, irrigation facilities and market accessibility. The study area covers 14 districts, including Faridabad, Gurugram, Sonipat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Panipat, Rewari, Karnal, Mahendragarh, Jind, Palwal, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri and Mewat (Nuh), collectively forming a critical part of Haryana’s agrarian and urbanizing landscape. Findings reveal that eastern districts such as Karnal, Panipat and Sonipat benefit from fertile alluvial soils, canal irrigation and better access to wholesale markets, making them favorable hubs for intensive floriculture. Conversely, southern and southwestern districts like Mahendragarh, Bhiwani and Mewat face challenges of sandy or rocky soils, erratic rainfall, water scarcity and weak mandi infrastructure, which constrain agricultural productivity and flower trade. Climatic extremes, ranging from scorching summers (up to 45°C) to cold winters (as low as 4°C), shape cropping cycles and necessitate resilient floricultural practices. Market access is highly uneven: while districts adjacent to Delhi such as Gurugram, Faridabad and Sonipat leverage express highways and export units, Mewat and Mahendragarh remain marginalized due to infrastructural backwardness. The study concludes that floriculture in NCR Haryana presents both opportunities and challenges: while fertile soils, irrigation networks and urban demand drive growth in some districts, constraints of soil infertility, climatic stress and poor market linkages hinder its expansion in others. Region-specific interventions such as soil improvement, water management, cold chain development and mandi modernization are essential for balanced and sustainable floriculture growth across the NCR.