Can We become 'Holland of Asia' in Flower Export Business in coming decades? We are rich in biodiversity, we have different kind of climate within small geographic boundary, why not make some effort for it?

For flowers, the sky is the limit

Kathmandu, September 20 The flower business is flourishing in Nepal. From deity to drawing rooms, from orchids to roses, the sky is the limit. Flowers at last seem to have broken out of their traditional religious role and are alluring Kathmanduites in such a way that nurseries are blossoming day by day.

Figures released by the Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN) reveal that there are more than 200 nurseries, 40 retailers and 40 cut flower growers in business at present. Drastic improvements have been noted in the export of flowers in the
past few years and the trend is still definitely upward.

Nursery owners are more than happy with the outcome. “It is just a beginning – the market will definitely expand in future”, said Mahesh Manandhar of Standard Nursery. People’s tastes are changing and they want beautiful natural surrounding to live in, so the ultimate choice is flowers. But when it comes to in-door and expensive plants, foreigners are far ahead of the Nepalese. “We get complaints that we make their garden all green”, was the tongue in cheek comment of SN Pradhan, who works in Bodhi Brikchya Nursery. Seasonal and flowering plants are favourite among Nepalese.
With the rapid urbanization of the city, people from every class are searching new ways of spending money. Sophistication is the key word of modern Kathmandu. Beautiful bouquets have replaced fruits when it comes to visiting ailing friends. Wedding cars are seen bedecked with fresh flowers. Valentine Day and Rose Day are new festivals for the youngsters. Flowers are definitely going to rule the hearts of Kathmanduites for decades to come.

The credit for this change perhaps goes to satellite televisions, foreign magazines and movies. “Foreigners taught me the newer way of making bouquets”, said Suraj Pradhan of Chameli Nursery. Though this business is still in its experimental period nurseries like Chameli have net profits of around 60 thousands
per month.

However, many hurdles need to be overcome if FAN can sustain the turnover. More research, field trials and awareness among the entrepreneurs are a few of the things the association needs to improve. High air freight rates, a lack of cold storage, loan and transport facilities, high taxes and import inconvenience regarding planting materials, accessories and equipment are the major problems faced by the association. Research done by FAN reveals that Nepal has a good potential in domestic demand for floriculture products and once the higher air freight charges are retained
within the country it also has good export prospects.

The floriculture business might not be bed of roses but the growing demand means that the thorns can be picked out with ease. If we believe that a sign of a civilised city are the flower vendors on its streets then the sophistication of Kathmandu is blossoming with every day that passes.

Shailee Adhikari;http://www.spacetimeonline.com/Pub/Sept_21/st_today_cover.htm#3