Pune: The shortcomings in the technology used by rose growers to set up polyhouses have cost them dearly this year. About 400 polyhouse owners in Talegaon Dabhade industrial area, who use naturally ventilated polyhouse technology for rose cultivation, have suffered as warmer climate in December advanced the maturity cycle of the roses. The buds bloomed before attaining maturity, thereby reducing the flower size.

Roses specially grown in polyhouses for Valentine’s Day celebrations were affected and farmers were forced to export the buds almost a week in advance. The small flower size means lower income for the farmers.