Photo: Messenger
Flower growers in Gadkhali area of Jashore’s Jhikargachha, home to one of the largest wholesale flower markets in the country, are gearing up marking the occasions of Pohela Falgun, Valentine's Day, and International Mother Language Day in this February.
With only a few days left, farmers are diligently tending to their flowers, anticipating sales of at least Tk 100 crore during these events.
The Gadkhali flower market, located near the Jashore-Benapole Highway, usually starts business around 5:30am every day, gathering pace strongly in the evening. Flower sellers from various parts of the country, including the northern districts of Bogura, Rajshahi, Gopalganj and Pabna, purchase flowers from the market at wholesale rates.
The entire area is adorned with flowers, showcasing the diverse varieties cultivated by dedicated farmers. Roses, gerberas, gladiolus, marigolds, lilies, gypsies, and chrysanthemums are among the commercially grown flowers in this region.
Despite weather-related setbacks affecting flower production this season, farmers are ramping up preparations for the upcoming spring and festivities. They're taking measures to protect their flowers from insects and decay to ensure they remain fresh until the festivals. Farmers anticipate increased demand closer to the events, hoping for higher prices and profits.
Shahjahan Kabir, a prominent flower grower from Syedpara in the Gadkhali union of Jhikargachha upazila, shared his preparations, stating, "I've dedicated 5 bighas for cultivating tuberose and 2 bighas for marigold. As Valentine's Day and Mother Language Day approach, I'm meticulously nurturing these blooms, employing vitamins and pesticides to fortify them against pests. I anticipate fetching favorable prices for my flowers."
Echoing similar sentiments, Ahmed Ali, another farmer from the same village, elaborated, "With 2 bighas allocated for four rose gardens, I'm witnessing budding roses in vibrant hues of red, white, yellow, orange, and pink. Despite weather challenges, I'm optimistic about securing good wholesale prices, aided by vitamin treatments to preserve the flowers."
Azizur Rahman of Panisara village emphasised the strategic timing of flower cultivation around key festivals, anticipating a surge in demand. He remarked, "We've stocked ample flowers, particularly gerberas and roses, in anticipation of Spring Day, Valentine's Day, and 21st February. The current wholesale rates will likely triple due to reduced supply caused by adverse weather conditions and virus-related disruptions."
Ismail Hossain, another local grower, expressed confidence in their preparations, stating, "We've taken meticulous care of our roses and implemented preventive measures to ensure their quality. We anticipate favorable prices this year."
Abdur Rahim, President of the Bangladesh Flowers Society, acknowledged the challenges posed by adverse weather but remained optimistic about the market prospects, estimating sales worth Tk 100 crore during the upcoming festivities.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), approximately 600 hectares of land are dedicated to flower cultivation in Jashore, directly and indirectly involving lakhs of individuals in this blooming business venture.
Gadkhali's flower growers, therefore, are diligently preparing for the upcoming festivals, expecting significant sales despite all challenges.
Their dedication underscores the importance of these events in driving the local flower market and livelihoods in the region.
Messenger/Disha
