BHAKTAPUR: The prices of marigold and globe amaranth flowers have more than tripled as demand surges ahead of Tihar, Nepal’s second-largest festival.
In Suryabinayak–7, Gundu, Bhaktapur’s main flower-producing area, farmers who sold marigolds at Rs 300 per kilogram a week ago were selling them at Rs 700 on Monday. In Kathmandu Valley markets, the same flowers were being retailed for up to Rs 1,000 per kilogram.
A single marigold garland was priced at Rs 1,500 in local markets, according to consumers. Traders said flower prices spiked after farmers across Kavrepalanchok, Sindhuli, Sindhupalchok, and Panchkhal raised wholesale rates in response to high demand.
“Openly cultivated marigolds are selling for around Rs 800 per kilo, while tunnel-grown ones from Bhaktapur cost as much as Rs 1,300,” said flower vendor Pramila Lama. Tunnel-grown flowers are more expensive because they last longer, she added.
Globe amaranth (makhamali) garlands were being sold at Rs 100 apiece, up from Rs 30 a week ago. Farmers have cited limited supply and a rush of traders buying directly from villages as reasons behind the surge.
“Gundu’s flowers are known for their quality, so they fetch a higher price,” said local flower entrepreneur Urmila Nagarkoti. “This year, buyers competed directly in the villages, which drove up rates even more.”
According to another entrepreneur, Anita Basnet, flower and garland sales from Gundu alone are expected to exceed Rs 50 million this season. She said some families involved in flower farming have earned between Rs 100,000 and Rs 500,000 from Tihar sales.
Prices of other Tihar essentials, including bhogate (pomelo) and bimiro (citron), have also shot up. Pomelos that sold for Rs 60 earlier this week were priced at Rs 150 on Monday, while citrons climbed from Rs 30 to Rs 150.
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