With the onset of Tihar, the second largest festival of Nepalis, flower trading has surged across the country. Known as the festival of flowers and lights, Tihar has significantly boosted demand for various flowers, particularly marigolds and globe amaranths.
Flower cultivation, used widely in rituals, weddings, farewells, and funerals, has been gradually making Nepal self-reliant. Although flower farming began informally in 1954, it gained commercial momentum after the 1990s.
In recent years, the number of entrepreneurs engaged in commercial floriculture has grown sharply due to its profitability. The demand peaks during Tihar, as flowers like marigold (sayapatri) and globe amaranth (makhamali) can yield high returns in a short period.
According to Rajesh Bhakta Shrestha, president of the Floriculture Association of Nepal, more than 4 million garlands are sold within the Kathmandu Valley alone during Tihar. He said the business has expanded from small nurseries to leased farmlands across all seven provinces and 52 districts, driven by increasing urbanization.
“Nepal’s climate is favorable for flower cultivation,” said Shrestha, adding that around 270 hectares of land are currently used for floriculture. The sector has attracted an investment of over Rs 8.83 billion and provides employment to about 53,500 people nationwide, the association stated.
The annual growth rate of demand and supply in the floriculture sector exceeds 10 percent, according to the association. Although the COVID-19 pandemic had temporarily slowed the business, it has since regained momentum.
In Fiscal Year 2023/24, the sector recorded a transaction of Rs 3.68 billion, while in FY 2024/25, the figure stood at Rs 3.37 billion.
Data from the Department of Customs show that Nepal exported flowers and floral products worth Rs 10.21 million in FY 2023/24, which rose to Rs 21.36 million in FY 2024/25. Nepali flowers are exported to countries including Japan, Hong Kong, the United States, Australia, Qatar, Canada, and the UAE, according to the association.
Meanwhile, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has decided to ban the import of foreign flowers this year to promote locally produced ones. Chief of the city police, Rajunath Pandey, said at a recent press conference that the move aims to encourage the use of domestic flowers during the festive season. -- RSS
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