Flower growers in Godkhali, Jashore – known as Bangladesh's "flower capital" – are entering their busiest season with cautious optimism, hoping that a stable political environment in the coming weeks will help them achieve their Tk600 crore sales target during the winter festivals.
Despite earlier setbacks from heavy rainfall and lingering concerns over political uncertainties, farmers say robust production and rising demand ahead of Victory Day have strengthened their expectations for a successful season. Even so, many note that any unrest in the run-up to the national election could still dampen demand or disrupt transport to markets nationwide.
Victory Day on 16 December traditionally marks the first major event of the season, and growers say they have completed their preparations. Yet the political climate has tempered what is usually a period of high optimism. Farmers reported that unusually heavy rainfall earlier in the year delayed planting. While fields are now in full bloom and production looks strong, they remain unsure whether sales will match expectations.
Rubel Hossain, a grower in the area, said December to February is the peak window for flower cultivation and trade, driven by Victory Day, Christmas, New Year celebrations, Pahela Falgun, Valentine's Day, and International Mother Language Day.
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