27th Floral Expo to be held from March 19 in capital

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 18: Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN) is organising the 27th Floral Expo under the theme 'Floriculture Business for Clean Environment, Employment and Economic Prosperity,' from March 19 to 22 at Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Hall. 

The expo is being organised with support from key institutions including the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development of Bagmati Province, the Department of Agriculture, the High Value Agriculture Project, and the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernisation Project. 

According to FAN, a total of 83 stalls will be featured, including 65 commercial, 11 official, and several special stalls such as competition, food, landscaping, selfie, and an electric vehicle display. 

The expo will showcase a wide range of products and services, including seasonal flowers, ornamental plants, cut flowers, orchids, compost, seeds, greenhouses, irrigation technologies, agricultural tools, organic pesticides, and decorative materials. 

The competitions will be held in multiple categories such as best stall, landscaping, seasonal flowers, ornamental plants, floral arrangements, and cut flowers (rose, gerbera, and carnation), with expert evaluation on the opening day. 

According to FAN, winners will be awarded cash prizes, shields, and certificates, and a veteran floriculture entrepreneur will also be honoured for long-term contribution to the sector.

The expo is expected to attract around 60,000 visitors and generate business transactions exceeding Rs. 12 million. 

It aims to promote floriculture businesses, expand market opportunities, foster direct interaction between producers and consumers, and introduce modern technologies and innovations in the sector. 

The event will also serve as a common platform for entrepreneurs, students, researchers, and gardening enthusiasts. 

According to FAN, with the development and expansion of urbanisation, the flower business is expanding in other areas, including the main cities of all seven provinces.

Currently, flower business is being carried out in an area of ​​about 270 hectares in 52 districts. 

There is an investment of more than Rs. 8.83 billion in this sector, and more than 1,235 people are involved in flower business.

More than 53,500 people are directly and indirectly employed in the flower business.