KATHMANDU, Oct 28: Flower sales are expected to reach Rs 645 million across the country during the upcoming Tihar festival.
According to the Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN), around 5.18 million flower garlands of various types, worth Rs 480 million, are expected to be sold during the five-day festival of lights, which begins on November 6 this year. In addition, the association has projected sales of 4.3 million individual flower blossoms for decorating homes and commercial establishments.
According to FAN estimates, marigold garlands will account for the largest share of sales, with demand expected to reach 4.5 million units. At an average wholesale price of Rs 90 per garland, sales are projected to total Rs 405 million.
Tihar flower sale to bloom past Rs 400 million
Similarly, an estimated 600,000 garlands made from globe amaranth (makhamali), priced at an average of Rs 45 each, are expected to be sold, generating Rs 27 million in sales. Likewise, 20,000 chrysanthemum (godawari) garlands, priced at an average of Rs 1,200 each, are expected to generate Rs 24 million. Another 60,000 garlands made from a mix of flowers, priced at an average of Rs 400 each, are projected to generate an additional Rs 24 million.
Meanwhile, FAN said commercial marigold production in Nepal had expanded significantly in recent years. Commercial cultivation of marigolds now covers more than 225 hectares across districts in all seven provinces.
According to FAN, commercial marigold production is taking place in several districts, including Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Dhading, Chitwan, Kavre, Sindhupalchok, Nuwakot, Gorkha, Makwanpur, Ramechhap, Jhapa, Ilam, Dhankuta, Sunsari, Morang, Dhanusha, Sarlahi, Saptari, Siraha, Rupandehi, Kaski, Syangja, Banke, Palpa, Tanahun, Dang and Kailali.
The expansion of flower production and markets each year has contributed significantly to increasing the incomes of farmers and floriculture entrepreneurs while helping substitute imports. However, damage caused by floods and landslides over the past few months could force Nepal to import flowers to meet domestic demand, traders said.
FAN President Rajesh Bhakta Shrestha said Nepal might need to import some marigolds, although the country had achieved self-sufficiency in globe amaranth flowers.
Commercial globe amaranth cultivation is taking place in areas including Ichangunarayan in Kathmandu, Gundu in Bhaktapur and Godawari-Badikhel in Lalitpur, as well as in Dhading, Palpa, Kailali and Ilam districts.
While Nepal consumed a total of four million flower garlands last year, demand for marigold garlands is expected to rise to 4.5 million units this year. Shrestha said imports could account for 11.11 percent of the total demand for marigold garlands during Tihar this year.
