KATHMANDU: Pokhara is expected to see flower sales exceeding Rs 20 million during this year’s Tihar festival. The Pokhara Metropolitan City claims that local production will meet 70 percent of the market demand, with the remaining 30 percent supplied by neighboring districts and municipalities.

Manahar Kadariya, head of the metropolitan’s economic development division, stated that commercial marigold and globe amaranth cultivation is spread across 200 ropanis of land. Currently, 165 farmers and 42 nurseries are engaged in commercial flower farming. The metropolitan office has been providing technical training and a 50 percent subsidy on improved seeds and mulching plastic to support these farmers.

The demand for flowers in Pokhara during Tihar is estimated at 200,000 to 300,000 garlands, along with a corresponding amount of loose flowers. Kadariya noted that while the city previously relied heavily on imports from India, local production has significantly reduced this dependence. ‘We launched a campaign to increase production by providing subsidies to farmers. Establishing a minimum support price has also boosted confidence,’ he said. The metropolitan office has set a minimum support price of Rs 80 per kilogram for flowers.

Climate change has impacted this year’s harvest, with rising temperatures causing flowers to bloom in 90 days instead of the usual 120. Recent rains have also caused some damage, though Kadariya noted that flowers grown inside plastic tunnels remain safe and supply is expected to meet demand.

To manage sales, the metropolitan office has designated specific vending areas and prohibited street-side selling. Additionally, a flower trade fair is being held at the Pokhara Stadium from Nov. 3 to Nov. 8 to promote local produce. Ram Prasad Subedi, president of the Floriculture Association Nepal, stated that the fair aims to highlight local flowers and discourage external imports.