Pattoki, a tehsil in Kasur District of Punjab, Pakistan, is widely recognized as the “City of Flowers”. With its colorful flower fields, roadside nurseries, and flourishing ornamental plant trade, Pattoki plays a significant role in Pakistan’s floriculture sector. However, behind this success story lies a set of persistent soil challenges. This article explores the rise of flower farming in Pattoki, the specific soil-related issues growers face, and the strategies being employed to overcome them.
Overview of Flower Cultivation in Pattoki
Located between Lahore and Okara on the GT Road, Pattoki has easy access to major markets. This strategic location, along with favorable climate conditions, has helped the area become a leading producer of roses, marigolds, gladiolus, tuberoses, chrysanthemums, and ornamental shrubs.
Key features of Pattoki’s floriculture sector:
- Home to hundreds of commercial nurseries and flower farms
- Supplies flowers to Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and other cities
- Hosts the Punjab Floriculture Market, attracting daily buyers
- Generates employment for thousands of rural workers and families
Many nurseries are family-run businesses, handed down through generations, with a mix of traditional knowledge and modern techniques.
Popular Flowers Grown in Pattoki
- Roses – Both cut and garden varieties
- Gladiolus – Grown for bouquets and decoration
- Marigold (Genda) – Widely used for religious and wedding ceremonies
- Chrysanthemum – Winter flower with increasing commercial demand
- Tuberose (Rajnigandha) – High-value, fragrant flower
- Seasonal bedding plants – Petunias, pansies, dianthus, etc.
These flowers are cultivated in both open fields and greenhouses, depending on season and market demand.
Soil Challenges Facing Pattoki’s Flower Growers
Despite being a floral powerhouse, Pattoki’s farmers face several soil-related issues that affect flower quality, yield, and sustainability.
1. Soil Salinity
Many parts of Pattoki suffer from increasing soil salinity, especially due to over-irrigation and use of low-quality groundwater. Salts build up in the topsoil and:
- Inhibit seed germination
- Cause leaf burn and poor bloom formation
- Reduce shelf life of cut flowers
Sensitive flowers like gladiolus and tuberose are particularly affected.
2. Low Organic Matter
Continuous monocropping of flowers without crop rotation has led to a decline in organic content in the soil. This results in:
- Poor root development
- Increased dependence on chemical fertilizers
- Lower resistance to disease and pests
3. Soil-Borne Diseases
Due to repeated cultivation of the same flower species in the same fields, many growers are now facing:
- Fusarium wilt
- Root rot
- Nematode infestations
These diseases persist in the soil and damage bulbs, cuttings, and seedlings.
4. Soil Compaction and Drainage Issues
Excessive use of machinery and heavy foot traffic in nursery areas has compacted soil, reducing aeration and water infiltration. Waterlogging during the rainy season worsens the problem, leading to root suffocation and fungal diseases.
Strategies for Managing Soil Health in Floriculture
Recognizing the impact of soil degradation, Pattoki’s progressive flower growers have adopted several soil improvement strategies:
1. Use of Organic Inputs
Many nurseries have started using:
- Cow dung compost and farmyard manure to rebuild organic matter
- Neem cake and biochar to improve soil structure and microbial activity
- Vermicompost for potted and greenhouse plants
2. Crop Rotation and Intercropping
To prevent disease build-up, some growers rotate flowers with:
- Leguminous crops like lentils and mung beans
- Fodder crops such as berseem
Intercropping flowers with marigold is also common to deter nematodes and insects.
3. Raised Beds and Mulching
Raised bed planting improves drainage and root development, especially for sensitive flowers like gladiolus. Plastic mulching is also used to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
4. Soil Testing and Custom Fertilization
Some larger nurseries conduct regular soil tests to monitor nutrient levels and salinity. Based on results, they apply balanced fertilizers and micronutrients tailored to the specific flower being cultivated.
5. Use of Biological Control Agents
Instead of over-relying on pesticides, some nurseries use:
- Trichoderma fungi to combat soil-borne diseases
- Beneficial nematodes
- Biofertilizers with nitrogen-fixing bacteria
Economic Importance of Pattoki’s Flower Sector
Floriculture in Pattoki is not just about aesthetics — it’s a significant economic activity that:
- Supports over 5,000 families in direct or indirect roles
- Provides flowers for weddings, events, funerals, and national ceremonies
- Supplies decorative plants to housing schemes, institutions, and landscaping firms
- Has potential for export growth, especially for roses and tuberose
Despite challenges, flower cultivation continues to attract young entrepreneurs and investors, especially in greenhouse-based ventures.
Government and Institutional Support
While the Punjab government has taken some steps to support floriculture, including market infrastructure and training programs, more targeted action is needed to address soil challenges. Recommendations include:
- Establishing a soil health monitoring center specifically for floriculture in Pattoki
- Offering subsidies for organic soil conditioners and compost
- Training programs on disease-free propagation and nursery hygiene
- Promoting public-private partnerships for export-oriented flower farming
Pattoki’s flower cultivation sector is a symbol of creativity, rural entrepreneurship, and agricultural diversity. However, its future depends on addressing the silent but serious threat of soil degradation. By adopting sustainable practices, investing in soil health, and strengthening institutional support, Pattoki can continue to flourish as Pakistan’s floral capital.