Flowers worth Rs 500 million sold during Tihar festival this year

KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 6: Flowers worth Rs 500 million were sold during this year’s Tihar festival, with the highest sales recorded in the Kathmandu Valley.

Dilip Bade, President of the Floriculture Association of Nepal (FAN), mentioned that flower sales this year were nearly on par with last year’s figures. The average price for a standard flower garland was around Rs 100.

According to Bade, the flower trade became more streamlined during this year’s Tihar, thanks to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), which designated specific areas for flower sales. KMC allocated 46 locations where farmers could sell their flowers directly.

The flower market reportedly grows by 15 to 20 percent annually, though production has only increased by about 10 percent. While domestic production meets the demand for 'Makhamali' (globe amaranth) and 'Godavari' (chrysanthemum), marigolds and red roses still need to be imported from India.

Flower cultivation for commercial purposes has now expanded to 52 districts, including Kaski, Chitwan, Makawanpur, Kavrepalanchowk, Gulmi, Palpa, Dhading, and Morang, as well as the three districts within the Kathmandu Valley.

Bade further highlighted that about 450 species of flowers are grown commercially, benefiting over 44,000 people. Currently, 1,184 farmers engage in commercial flower cultivation, covering 221 hectares of land.