Floriculture brings profit and jobs to Dang

By Liladhar Oli,Ghorahi, Oct. 5: Lokendra Roka Magar, a farmer from Dang, has turned floriculture into a successful business. After returning home from foreign employment some ten years ago, he started commercial floriculture and now earns about Rs. 1.5 million per year.

He began his small scale farm in 2069 B.S.  in just two-katthas of land in Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City–14, Lohaspur. Seeing early profits, he gradually expanded and now grows flowers on three bighas of leased land from Jaljala Pushpa Farm.

This year, Roka is growing marigolds (Sayapatri) and Globe Amaranth (Makhamali) in Ghorahi–14, Jhigoura and Ghorahi–16, Bahundanda to meet the demand for the upcoming Tihar festival. The flowers are now in full bloom.

For the past three years, Roka has been growing flowers all year round. “I used to grow marigolds only for Tihar, but now there is demand for weddings and religious events, so I farm throughout the year,” he said.

He sells flowers at Rs. 400 per kilogram and garlands cost Rs. 80–100 each. His flowers reach customers across Dang as well as in Rolpa, Pyuthan, Butwal, Nepalgunj and Pokhara.

Roka’s business brings an annual turnover of Rs. 3–3.5 million, with about Rs. 1.5 million saved after expenses. 

He pays Rs. 200,000 per year for land lease and employs three workers. Besides marigolds, he also grows ornamental plants for homes and gardens.

“Almost all the flowers and plants are sold directly from the farm. None go to waste, and the business is doing well,” he said.

Roka has also been recognised as an outstanding farmer by the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Dang for his contribution to commercial floriculture.