As the demand for agricultural products including flowers continues to increase, the flower market has been growing steadily worldwide. Currently, the floral market in Bangladesh is worth approximately 15 billion taka. Flower cultivation used to be limited to only Jashore (Jessore) in the past. It is now known that, flower cultivation is taking place in at least 25 districts across Bangladesh. Over the past four decades, commercial flower production has expanded in various districts of Bangladesh. Jashore and Jhenaidah are the districts, where flower cultivation is most prominent.
Some of the districts involved in flower cultivation are Jhenaidah, Chuadanga, Savar, Gazipur, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Meherpur, Rangamati, Tangail, Narayanganj, Bogra, Manikganj, and Natore. However, the commercial production of flowers such as rose, rajnigandha, tuberose, marigold, gladiolus, and gerbera, is more prevalent.
Commercial flower cultivation began in Bangladesh in the 1980s. In 1991, the Bangladesh government included flowers in the list of exportable goods.
The commercial production of flowers in Bangladesh holds promising prospects. As people’s income increases, the demand for flowers in the country is also rising. Due to the multifaceted use of flowers in modern society, they are no longer solely associated with leisure or decoration. Flowers have become a lucrative crop with a gradual contribution to the country’s economy. The increasing demand for flowers has also impacted the country’s economy over time. However, the commercial expansion of flower production in Bangladesh is relatively recent. Prior to the 1990s, the country heavily relied on flower imports to meet the demand.
Currently, approximately 70% of the demand is met by domestically produced flowers. The flower business has witnessed significant success in just two decades. It is known that since the 1982-1983 fiscal year, flowers have been recognized as a profitable crop in the country. Since then, flower trade has been on the rise creating employment opportunities. Bangladeshi flowers are even being exported to foreign countries, generating foreign currency earnings. This has opened up new possibilities in the industry.
In the lives of festival-loving Bengalis, various types of formal events are held throughout the year. Flowers play an increasingly important role in these festive occasions.
Valentine’s Day, Pahela Falgun, 21st February, Victory Day, Independence Day, and Pohela Boishakh, are all celebrated nationwide with great pomp and grandeur, along with various business establishments, political, and family events. In the modern mindset, people also prefer to have fresh flowers at home. Keeping this in mind, the flower market is growing rapidly.
In 1983, Sher Ali Sardar, an agricultural farmer, started commercial flower cultivation and marketing in Gadhkhali, Jashore, with only 30 acres of land. Now, the fields of Gadhkhali are filled with flowers of various colors shades and types.
Currently, around 75 villages in Gadhkhali, are engaged in flower cultivation involving around 500000 people in the production and marketing of flowers. Forty percent of the produced flowers are supplied to the wholesale market in Dhaka’s Khilgaon, while the remaining 60 percent is supplied throughout the country.
Around 70 percent of the total flower demand, in the country is met from this region. However, apart from Jashore, commercial flower cultivation is now taking place in areas, such as Savar, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Narsingdi, Satkhira, and Comilla.
Due to the passage of time, Gadhkhali is now known as the capital of flowers. Sher Ali Sardar is considered the pioneer of flower cultivation in this area, due to his significant contribution.
The majority of flowers produced in the country come from this flower belt. In the 1990s, flower cultivation was carried out on one acre of land, and now, it is being cultivated on almost 18000 acres of land.
Apart from the flower belt in Jhikargachha, flower cultivation has also spread to the neighboring Sharsha Upozila. Flower cultivators there claim that, currently flower cultivation is being done on nearly 4000 acres of land in that area.
During the peak season, these lands yield at least, 2,00,000 sticks of Rajanigandha, 4,00,000 tuberose flowers, 30,000 roses, and 50,000 gladiolus flower sticks, every day. Approximately, 30,000 other types of flowers are also produced.
Heading towards Benapole, from Jessore, there is a smaller flower-growing region, called Gadhkhali. This region, located to the west of Jhikargachha Upozila Sadar, is filled with fields covered in flowers, as far as the eye can see. Almost, 40 types of flowers including Rajanigandha, rose, gladiolus, and gerbera, are produced in this area. Alongside other cash crops, the success of flower cultivation here has been demonstrated by the people of Gadhkhali.
In the search it is found that flower cultivation started in Gadkhali under the guidance of Sher Ali. In 1983, he brought seeds of various species of flowers from India, and started cultivation in Gadkhali. Inspired by his success, other groups of farmers in the village started flower cultivation.
Sher Ali then collected seeds of many flowers from Singapore, and Malaysia, and cultivated them. Now, flower cultivation is carried out on 1.5 thousand hectares of land in Jhikargachha providing livelihood to at least seven thousand people. Each season farmers earn around 5-7 lakh taka per acre.
In addition to the development of packaging infrastructure, setting up cold storage facilities, and warehouses, and the production of new varieties of flowers, it is essential to provide financial support to farmers, and entrepreneurs, involved in flower cultivation. This can be done through low-interest loans, and training programs, to acquire and utilize modern technology in flower production.
To further enhance the commercial cultivation of flowers, it is crucial to establish strong partnerships between flower growers, and relevant stakeholders. This includes collaborations with research institutions, agricultural extension services, and marketing agencies, to exchange knowledge, and market information.
Furthermore, promoting the export of locally produced flowers, is crucial for boosting the economy. This can be achieved through trade shows participation in international flower exhibitions, and establishing direct relationships with buyers abroad. Creating a favorable business environment for flower exporters, such as, simplifying export procedures, and providing necessary incentives, can also contribute to the growth of the flower industry.
It is important to emphasize sustainable and responsible farming practices in flower cultivation. This involves minimizing the use of harmful pesticides, and adopting organic, and eco-friendly approaches, to ensure the quality and safety of the flowers. By promoting sustainable practices, the flower industry can contribute to environmental conservation, and meet the growing demand for environmentally conscious products.
In conclusion, the commercial cultivation of flowers presents new opportunities for economic growth in Bangladesh. By implementing long-term strategies, and providing necessary support to farmers, and entrepreneurs, the flower industry can flourish and contribute to the overall development of the country’s economy.
Flower exports in Bangladesh:
With an increase in demand in the global flower market, flowers from Bangladesh have also found their place in the list of exports. Commercially grown flowers, and ornamental plants in the country have gained popularity in the local market and have emerged as a potential sector in the list of exports.
It is known that the initiative for flower export started in 1991-92.
Bangladesh exports raw flowers to Central Asia, Malaysia, Britain, Pakistan, India, Italy, Canada, China, Singapore, the Netherlands, Canada, the United States, Russia, and France. The country is expecting a greater opportunity for exports in the billion-dollar global flower market. However, entrepreneurs believe that, it is possible to earn 500 crore taka by exporting raw flowers.
Citation:
- S.M. Mukul, Sonalinews.
Link: https://www.sonalinews.com/m/opinion/news/116496
- Press xpress, news.
- Agriculture info service (AIS), Government of peoples republic of Bangladesh.