25th Floral Expo Nepal: Cultivating Blooms and Business in Kathmandu

The capital city of Kathmandu is set to play host to the illustrious 25th edition of the Floral Expo, scheduled from the 1st to the 4th of Chaitra (corresponding to March 14th-17th) at the esteemed Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall.

Since its inception on November 15, 1992, the Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN) has remained a pillar in spearheading and nurturing the nation's floriculture sector. This non-profit, non-governmental entity is devoted to advancing the welfare of its affiliates, encompassing flower cultivators, distributors, and vendors alike.

With a resolution to augment the floriculture domain in Nepal and a specific emphasis on its potential as an export-driven industry, FAN orchestrates a variety of programs and endeavors. The association pledges to incite business growth while improving product quality with an endgame of carving out a niche for Nepal on the international floriculture stage.

In pursuit of invigorating and progressing the floriculture enterprise, the expo promises a diverse range of floral offerings and displays. An assembly of 73 booths will grace the event, comprising 60 commercial vendors, 8 information centers, one contest booth, and another for selfies, as well as a sole refreshment kiosk. In addition to these are three booths dedicated to landscaping. A confluence of nursery owners, agriculturalists, purveyors, and sundry associations will grace the occasion.

The exposition is envisaged as a conclave where protagonists in floriculture amass to broaden their trade horizons, flaunt their wares, and partake in dialogues surrounding innovations and progress within their field. Honors including cash awards, commemorative shields, and diplomas will commend entities that excel across varied competitions and parameters.

Furthermore, this event is poised to offer rich perspectives to clientele, academicians, and collectives aspiring to ornate their environs or delve into research within this verdant sector.

A Brief Overview of Floriculture in Nepal:-

In Nepal, the floriculture industry is composed of a series of cultivation sites, propagation hubs, and various retail and wholesale distributors. Approximately 180 hectares are utilized for the purpose of cultivating flowers commercially, stretching across nearly fifty districts within the country. This sector is renowned for its diverse array of floral products such as freshly cut flowers, ornamental potted plants, loose floral sales, landscape architecture offerings, and an assortment of bulbs, rhizomes, and other horticultural essentials. 

The industry prides itself on having more than 750 flower nurseries and horticultural businesses that are formally registered. A substantial segment of these enterprises is located in the Kathmandu Valley, where they primarily service the local market. With its considerable contribution to the national economy through the employment of upwards of 44,000 people and generating an annual revenue that approaches 2.5 billion Nepalese rupees, the business of floriculture holds great significance.

Nepal possesses a significant potential to become a key exporter of cut flowers thanks to its varied geographic terrains that offer a range of suitable climates. As a result, more farmers are becoming enticed by cut flower cultivation, spurred by increasing demand both within Nepal and internationally. Cut flowers—those severed from their parent plants—are used predominantly for ornamental purposes and enjoy a demand surpassing 50,000 sticks each week.

The floricultural sector in Nepal unveils opportunities as well as challenges. A critical priority for this sector is to focus on improving product quality as well as marketing techniques. If the country's floriculture is to succeed as an export-led industry, it will require deliberate actions aimed at cultivating growth measures. The Floriculture Promotion Policy has been instrumental in assisting industry stakeholders by providing essential support in both infrastructure enhancement and organizational progress.

Nevertheless, the recent Covid-19 pandemic has dealt a severe blow to Nepal's floriculture trade sector, reversing advances by an estimated four years according to the Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN). Farmers encounter numerous difficulties including the lack of a definitive land leasing policy that would allow for cohesive farming practices, obstacles in securing bank loans, and insufficient governmental support. These factors are preventing the industry's full-fledged development. Furthermore, domestic flower production experiences a notable decline during winter months leading to an import dependence from India for 75% of flower needs to offset the domestic shortfall. 

These pressing concerns require attention and action. The FAN has been actively lobbying with the federal government for a thorough review and revision of the existing Floriculture Promotional Policy dating back to 2069 B.S., recognizing its critical role in effectively executing and progressing promotional activities in this burgeoning sector.