Floriculturists asked the government to recognise floriculture as one of the potential export products.

Despite increasing flower business in recent years, the government has not been able to help the sector, according to president of Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN) Loknath Gaire

Addressing, International Flora Expo – organised by the Floriculture Association Nepal, which started at Bhrikuti Mandap from today – he said that the sector needs proper investment for qualitative growth. “Banks and financial institutions are reluctant to finance to the sector even though flowers have been in great demand in the domestic and international market,” he said, adding that the demand for flower has been increasing at the rate of 10 per cent to 15 per cent annually. “Commercial farming with the latest technology, proper marketing channels and research and development programmes would help promote floriculture business and ultimately help boost exports too.”

Recently, the cut flower business has also increased, according to the association that has informed that the country produced seasonal flowers worth Rs 195.4 million, ornamental flowers worth Rs 371.5 million, cut flowers worth Rs 184.2 million and other types of flowers worth Rs 368 million. “The country exported Rs 31.5 million worth flower in the last fiscal year.”

Dhading, Chitwan, Hetauda, Kaski, Rupandehi, Janakpur and Kailali are the major flower producing districts.

Minister for Agricultural Development Hari Prasad Parajuli – on the occasion –  said that the government would prioritise the floriculture sector. “The flower industry has tremendous potential,” he said, adding that with new  technology, productivity will increase.

The three-day fair aims at promoting, developing and highlighting the flora business in Nepal. The organiser has expected some 80,000 visitors and transactions worth Rs 9 million.

Related News