27th Floral Expo begins in Kathmandu

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 20: The 27th Floral Expo 2082 kicked off at Bhrikutimandap on Thursday. 

The Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN) organised the expo under the theme “Floriculture for Clean Environment, Employment, and Economic Prosperity,” and it will run for four days.

Inaugurating the expo, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development of Bagmati Province, Madhusudan Poudel, said that the provincial government is committed to making the floriculture business technology-friendly and competitive.

He added that a budget has already been allocated for smart floriculture, and the necessary procedures are currently in the approval process at the Ministry of Finance.

Highlighting the need to focus on the use of technology, improvement in production, and enhancement of efficiency, Minister Poudel emphasised that the floriculture sector must now compete not only in the domestic market but also internationally.

Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, federal government Dr. Rajendra Prasad Mishra said the floriculture sector is a field with strong potential for economic growth.

He said that it not only creates employment but also positively impacts mental health, especially as urbanization increases stress levels. 

He emphasised updating policies in line with current needs and highlighted ongoing government support through conditional grant programmes for production, supply, and market expansion. 

Secretary Mishra called for stronger public-private partnerships in research and technological development.

Dinesh Shrestha, President of the Kathmandu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, underlined the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector to develop floriculture into a key driver of economic prosperity. 

He said that the Flora Expo, held continuously for 27 years, has significantly contributed to industry promotion and highlighted Nepal’s strong potential for flower production and export. He also urged the government to simplify customs and export procedures.

FAN President Rajesh Bhakta Shrestha said that recent windstorms caused significant losses to floriculture entrepreneurs. 

He urged the government to effectively implement insurance schemes to reduce risks from natural disasters. 

He said that some entrepreneurs were unable to participate in this year’s expo due to storm damage.

Shrestha emphasised that sustainable development of the floriculture sector requires insurance coverage, policy reforms, and expansion of modern technologies. 

According to him, the floriculture business began in 1954 and has now expanded to 52 districts. 

It covers around 270 hectares of land, involves over 1,235 businesses, and has attracted investments exceeding Rs. 8.83 billion. 

The sector provides direct and indirect employment to more than 53,000 people.

Although demand for flowers is growing annually by 10–15 per cent, domestic production has not been able to fully meet the demand. 

Shrestha stressed the need to revise the Floriculture Promotion Policy 2069, control illegal imports, and expand modern farming technologies.

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

A total of 83 stalls are featured, including commercial, competitive, food, and landscaping displays.

Visitors can explore and purchase seasonal flowers, ornamental plants, cut flowers, orchids, compost, agricultural tools, and modern floriculture technologies. 

Various competitions in different categories are also being held, according to FAN.