Flower farming profitable business despite import difficulties

Since flower cultivation for commercial purposes started in 1980 in Bangladesh, many Bengalis have supported their families in growing and selling flowers.

Mr. Abdur Rahim, Chairman of the Bangladesh Flower Society, said that over 20,000 farmers across 25 districts in the country have taken up cultivating flowers as their source of income.

Flower cultivation generated more than $174.5 million, a study conducted by the Flower Society shows.

A daily worker farming flowers explained that Bangladesh has the right climate and soil for the cultivation of all types of flowers; the problem, however, is that importing seeds from abroad constitutes a financial burden on farmers.

He said that if seeds were to be grown in Bangladesh, the costs would be been much lower, adding that cultivating flowers like lilies and tulips is highly profitable.