Marigold farming expands to 45 ropanis in Tanahun, empowering 45 women

TANAHUN: Fields in Aandhimul Yanchowk, Aanbukhaireni Rural Municipality-1 of Tanahun, have turned vibrant with marigold flowers ahead of Dashain, as commercial flower farming continues to expand in the area.

Started three years ago, the initiative now covers 45 ropanis of land and has provided 45 local women with opportunities for entrepreneurship and financial independence.

The women, who cultivate flowers collectively, are currently busy harvesting and selling their produce. Demand for 50 kilograms of flowers during the first harvest has boosted their enthusiasm and strengthened their confidence in the market potential of the enterprise.

According to Suntali Gurung, chairperson of the women’s group, harvesting and sales began on Saturday after entrepreneur Kalpana Gauli, who operates a gift shop in Damauli, placed an order for 50 kilograms of flowers.

The initiative was launched to create local income-generating opportunities by bringing women together through collective enterprise. Gurung said the group-based approach has made it easier for members to share labour, exchange experience and make productive use of local resources.

She added that expanding cultivation, increasing production and reaching wider markets could further improve women’s earnings. With marigold production now taking place locally, the community has also reduced its dependence on flowers brought in from other areas. The flowers sell for up to Rs 400 per kilogram.

Santosh KC, chief of the agriculture section at Aanbukhaireni Rural Municipality, said marigold farming had been underway in Aandhimul Yanchowk for the past three years. He noted that women’s participation in the expanding enterprise had connected them with productive activities and created new income opportunities.

KC said locally produced flowers had a ready market and that the sector could be developed further through more organized cultivation and marketing. He added that increasing women’s involvement was creating greater opportunities for them to earn through their own labour and production.