<h1>Flower Demand Soars in Himachal Pradesh Amid Marriage Season and Valentine's Day, Boosting Prices and Local Growers' Profits</h1> Demand for flowers has surged in Himachal Pradesh due to the marriage season and Valentine's Day, significantly increasing prices and benefiting local growers. Carnations now sell at Rs 400 per bunch, up from Rs 200-250, while red roses have risen from Rs 30 to Rs 50 per stick. The flower industry, generating Rs 80-100 crore annually, involves over 3,000 families and eight farmer cooperatives across several districts. Approximately 285 hectares are dedicated to floriculture, with 112 hectares under protected cultivation. The horticulture department notes a growing interest in flower cultivation, supported by various subsidies.