November 5: The business of flower garlands during this year’s Tihar festival is expected to have a turnover of Rs 310 million. The Floriculture Association of Nepal has estimated that during this year's Tihar, the garlands made of Chrysanthemum, Marigold and Globe Amaranth flowers would make a brisk business of Rs 310 million. The association estimates that there will be sales of about 4 million garlands during this Tihar.

According to the association, 80 percent of the market demand for garlands will me met through domestic production and the remaining 20 percent will be fulfilled by importing garlands from India.

It is estimated that 3.5 million pieces of Marigold flower garlands will be sold during Tihar, the festival of lights. Similarly, it is estimated that 475,000 pieces of Globe Amaranth flower garlands, 20,000 pieces of Chrysanthemum flower garlands and 30,000 pieces of mixed flower garlands will likely be sold during the festival, said Meen Bahadur Tamang, president of the association.

According to Tamang, the demand for Marigold flower garlands may increase this year compared to last year. During last year's Tihar, 3.1 million pieces of Marigold garlands were sold.

Compared to last year, it is estimated that the price of garlands will also increase this year. The association said that the retail price of a garland of Marigold flower will reach as much as Rs 125 per piece this year. Last year, marigold flower garlands were sold for Rs 100 per piece. Similarly, Chrysanthemum flower garlands will cost up to Rs 1,000 per piece and Globe Amaranth flower garlands will cost up to Rs 50 per piece.

At present, floriculture is done on 221 hectares of land in 48 districts across the country, in which more than 1,000 businessmen are involved. Also, 44,000 people have got employment in this sector directly and indirectly.

According to the Department of Customs, in the last fiscal year, the export of flowers and floral products from Nepal was worth Rs 68 million, while the import stood at Rs 330 million.

Meanwhile, the Floriculture Association Nepal has decided to provide 50 per cent of the amount collected through the one-day ticket sales from the Godavari Flower Exhibition to the earthquake victims of Jajarkot and Rukum. The association said that 50 per cent of the income earned from the ticket sales on Sunday will be deposited in the fund of the Nepal government for the relief and rescue of the earthquake victims. In addition, the association has also requested its active members to help according to their abilities. The fair, which kicked off on October 31, will be concluded on Sunday, November 5.