Commercial floriculture grows in Banke following flower import curbs

Cultivators in Banke are increasingly turning towards commercial flower production across Nepalgunj, Kohalpur, Khajura, and Janaki rural municipality. Growers report that strong local demand and affordable startup costs have encouraged them to expand operations. While cultivation previously served only basic household needs, producers are now scaling up to meet commercial requirements across the district. Bindu Chartimagar, a central member of the floral industry group and a floral entrepreneur in Nepalgunj, noted that an affinity for flowers combined with high local demand inspired the business venture. Starting with a plot measuring ten kattha, the enterprise has since expanded to span two bighas of land. Plans are underway to establish sales stalls at prominent urban intersections and provide home delivery options for buyers. Local agricultural authorities observe that cultivating blossoms within the district provides a viable substitute for shipments arriving from outside regions during the Tihar festival. Sujita Sharma, an information officer at the agricultural office in Banke, stated that the number of individuals engaging in commercial floral agriculture has risen steadily over recent years as subsistence farming methods give way to larger enterprises.