KATHMANDU: The recently concluded Tihar festival witnessed the sale of flowers amounting to Rs 240 million, marking a decline of Rs 20 million compared to the previous year due to lower market prices. 

According to Min Bahadur Tamang, Chairman of the Nepal Floriculture Association, despite an increase in production this year, reduced prices contributed to the decrease in the overall trade volume.

Tamang noted, “Last year, the price of one garland was Rs 100, but this year it averaged around Rs 65.” He explained that 70 percent of the total flowers used in the Tihar festival were imported from India, impacting the market for locally produced flowers. Flowers imported from India are generally more affordable than locally grown ones.

Floriculture has experienced growth in various districts of Nepal, including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kaski, Chitwan, Makwanpur, Kavrepalanchowk, Gulmi, Palpa, Dhading, Morang, and 48 other districts. Commercially, Nepal produces approximately 450 species of flowers.

Furthermore, Nepal exported velvet flowers (Gomphrena globosa) worth Rs 100,000 this year to Australia, America, and some Gulf countries.