Bhuwan Sharma
Commercial flower farming for Tihar on the rise
KATHMANDU, Oct 19: Flower traders expect this year’s Tihar flower business to reach around Rs 400 million, up by about Rs 50 million from last year, according to the Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN). Association President Rajesh Bhakta Shrestha said last year’s trade stood near Rs 350 million, and the market continues to expand by 10 to 15 percent annually.
He said Nepal’s flower industry could reach between Rs 3 to 3.5 billion in total trade this fiscal year. Marigolds, globe amaranths, and chrysanthemums dominate Tihar sales, all produced locally. Shrestha noted that no legal flower imports occur during the festival, though small illegal inflows from India are occasionally reported.
Around 70 percent of flowers used in Nepal are grown domestically, while 30 percent come from abroad during other times of the year. Customs data show flower imports have dropped sharply, while exports are on the rise. Compared to FY 2080/81, flower imports declined by 54.27 percent in FY 2081/82, from Rs 277.9 million to Rs 127 million. During the same period, exports more than doubled to Rs 21.3 million.
The flower trade, which began modestly in 2011 BS, gained momentum after the formation of FAN in 2049 BS. Today, commercial flower farming spans 270 hectares across 52 districts, with over 1,235 entrepreneurs involved and an estimated investment exceeding Rs 8.83 billion. The sector provides direct and indirect employment to more than 53,500 people.
To mark the festive season, FAN has organized a flower exhibition in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur. The fair drew large crowds, generating over Rs 4.4 million in sales in just two days. On Friday alone, 7,200 visitors made purchases worth Rs 1.97 million, while Saturday saw 14,700 visitors.
FAN said the fair aims to promote flower farming, improve product quality, and encourage self-reliance through commercial floriculture, especially with Tihar and Chhath festivals approaching.
