Nepal floriculture industry faces high import dependency

Nepal’s floriculture industry has evolved into a major commercial sector with investments exceeding Rs 11.5 billion and providing employment to over 62,500 people. Despite this growth, the value of flower imports remains nearly 22 times higher than exports, as domestic production struggles to meet rising demand driven by urbanization and changing lifestyles.

For the upcoming Tihar festival, the Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN) projects flower sales to reach Rs 645 million nationwide. Estimates suggest approximately 5.18 million flower garlands will be sold, with marigolds expected to lead the market. While commercial marigold cultivation has expanded to cover more than 225 hectares across various districts, seasonal demand and production capacity challenges continue to drive reliance on foreign products.