Lets go floriculture: benefits and economic importance of floriculture in Nepal

 Nepal has mostly cereal dominated agriculture system in every agro-ecological regions. Because of the higher preference for cereals, other agricultural products systems are usually underrated in Nepal. Floriculture is one of the underrated agriculture practice in Nepal. It is thought of as a seasonal business only. However, it has multiple economic benefits that can boost the economic condition of growers throughout the year in many ways. 

 A. Fresh flowers

Fresh flowers have great cultural and religious significance in Nepal. Every worship, cultural rituals, social rituals, function and funeral, can not go without fresh flowers. In most of the fresh flower consumptions time, such as Tihar, Nepal always has to import heavily from a foreign country. In 2018 AD, Nepal had imported 2 million USD worth of fresh flowers from neighbouring countries. Therefore, there is a significant opportunity to earn money by producing fresh flowers year-round. Furthermore, the production of fresh flowers at the domestic level will help mobilize the money within Nepal rather than expending in foreign. 

B. Dried flowers and handicrafts

Many flowers can be sold in dry condition such as gomphrena. However, specific flowers do not change the colour and flavour even after dried; only these flowers can be sold. Many more flowers can still sell at a premium price even they are dried. When they are fresh, we can sell them like fresh flowers; even after they dry, we can sell them as dried flowers. 

The dried flowers usually died if they have a bit faded colour. Usually, they can also be preserved very well with original colours such as lavender, sunflower and Celosia.  The dried flowers are usually used in bouquet making and for handcraft. The dried flowers last for at least one year; they use for long last bouquet making. 

Also, dried and pressed flowers are commonly used in handcraft to make greeting cards, wallpapers, and decorative purposes. They use divergently indoor and wedding wreath, framed pressed flowers for home decoration to make mobile phone case and garlands. 

Therefore, in two ways, flower grower can be economically be benefited from dried flowers; first is by selling them by making bouquets, garlands and wreaths; and then secondly by making handicrafts such as wallpapers and decorative pieces for home and wedding functions.

C. Flower teas 

Flowers are mostly consumed as healthy tea in a western country. The most common flower teas are rose tea, chamomile tea, hibiscus tea, chrysanthemum and jasmine tea. Flower teas are usually common and consumed as a healthy drink, mostly in western countries. The flower teas are full of antioxidant properties, relieve stress, and help lose weight; besides, flower teas consumption help to decrease the risk of developing cancer and boost vitality. Hence, knowing the multipurpose health benefits of flower tea, people are now attracted to it.  Therefore, in Nepal, we can produce flowers and make teabags out of the different flower parts and export them to foreigners to earn money. 

D. Essences and essential oils

Flower essences are commonly known as sweet and powerful essences for a healthy mind. Essential oils from flowers enter through the senses to reach the soul and impact the energy fields of the soul to affect the physical well-being of people. Therefore, flower essential oils are usually used as stress relief therapy. Because flower essences work by a principle of resonance, they will be most effective and noticeable when they match the core mental or emotional challenges people face.  

Furthermore, Flower essences and essential oils can be used combined as a spray and skin creams and massage oils. Also, flower essences can make perfumes, flavouring cosmetics such as soap, shampoos and other creams. 

Therefore, because of having multiple-use and benefits of flowers at different stages such as from fresh to dried and from fresh flowers to dried and tea, floriculture can run year-round with significant economic benefits. Therefore, we can promote floriculture, where there is less feasibility for cereals and vegetable production. It will promote economic and health benefits to growers. 

Go floriculture 🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼 diversify Nepali agriculture. 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

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