India develops its own varieties of gerbera Updated: Updated: February 12, 2021 09:56 IST They will reduce cultivation cost as there is no need to pay royalty to foreign firms Share Article The indigenous gerbera varieties developed by IIHR. | Photo Credit: B.S. SATISH KUMAR They will reduce cultivation cost as there is no need to pay royalty to foreign firms Now, India has its own gerbera varieties as scientists at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) have developed six indigenous varieties of this flower, used extensively in decorations and bouquets. Though the country’s floricultural sector has made rapid strides, it was yet to develop its own gerbera variety. The varieties being cultivated by farmers so far in the country were those from other places, particularly Holland. This had resulted in farmers paying higher costs for plants as the companies selling them had to pay huge royalties to Holland firms.