Rainfall damages flower in Chitwan

Chitwan, Nov 3: Recent rainfall occurred for four days has damaged varieties of flowers cultivated in the district. The rains caused damages to the flowers that had already bloomed. With the Tihar festival round the corner, the demand for flowers is growing. But as the flowers perish in garden, it has been a matter of severe concern for florists.

Dipak Pakhrin of Bharatpur Metropolitan City-26 said 70 percent of flowers was damaged in his farm. He shared the plight that it rained before the flowers were plucked and sent to market. Twigs of flowers are broken with rains.

The wet flowers turn black and wilt before reaching market. Pakhrin has cultivated marigold in two bighas of land. It costs over Rs 150 thousands to cultivate flowers in one bigha of land. “Although he had planned to pluck flowers, prepare garlands and store from today, it was not possible because of rainfall,” he said, adding that there was no demand either at a present.

A horticulture development officer at the District Agricultural Development Office in Chitwan, Swastika Chauhan, informed that the flowers about to bloom were damaged by the rain. According to her, 60 to 70 percent of the flowers planted in the district had bloomed. Now, more than 50 percent of the flowers in full bloom were damaged. Floriculture is done in 44 hectares in Chitwan. It is estimated that 1,000 kg of flowers is produced per hectare here.

The estimated production was expected to suffice to district with some supply to neighbouring districts. However, the rainfall causing adverse effect in floriculture is likely to result in increased price of flowers in the market. “The price of flowers in the market seems to increase this year compared to last year,” Chauhan admitted.

However, the area for commercial flower cultivation has increased this year in the district. Last year, 21.92 hectares of area was used for marigold farming, while this year, 44 hectares of land is cultivated for the flowers. As many as 555 varieties of flowers are planted in the district. —- rrs