Flower growers and traders make huge money every year in February, the month that sees huge sales of flowers as people celebrate three major events – Pahela Falgun, Valentine’s Day and International Mother Language Day.
Farmers and traders are expecting higher turnover as both the production and demand of flowers have increased this year.
Abdur Rahim, president of Godkhali Flower Farmers and Traders’ Welfare Association, the country’s largest flower hub located in Jessore said: “Although there is a huge potential for earning huge forex through exporting of flowers and ornamental plants, the country is lagging behind in formal initiatives to capture the international market,” he said, adding that some traders are exporting flowers in the name of vegetables and betel leaf.
Nurul Amin, senior vice-president of the Bangladesh Flower Growers and Exporters Association, told Daily Industry that the country already has a competitive advantage because of its favourable climate and low labour costs.
“We need to address a lot of issues like suitable training for people involved in flower production, packaging and preservation, cutting and marketing. Such assistance could help to boost the industry,” he told.
Cold storage training facilities, technical know-how, access to finance, adequate research and air-conditioned cargo facilities are also required, he added.
Pointing out that cut flower and foliage are under the agricultural sector, Md Ahsanullah, president of the Bangladesh Flower Growers and Exporters Association, told Daily Industry, “We want recognition and identification as separate entity.”