Flower sales in Singair, Manikganj to reach Tk 35m in February

MANIKGANJ, Feb 14: Flower farmers in Singair, Manikganj have been getting a good price for their produce as the demand rose sharply in February. Growers believe that flowers worth at least Tk 35 million will be sold in February alone.

Red, white, yellow, and purple blossoms present a vivid blend of colours in Singair's flower fields, which drew visitors and boosted activity in the local flower markets ahead of the Valentine's Day and Pohela Falgun celebrations. Demand is expected to soar again ahead of the International Mother Language Day.

Commercial flower cultivation is growing fast in Singair. According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, farmers in eight to ten villages of Joymontop, Dhalla, Shayesta, and Talebpur unions have planted flowers on about 32 hectares this season, which is 12 hectares more than last year.

Different varieties of roses were grown on most of the land, while gladiolus, chrysanthemum, gypsy and other flowers cultivated on the remaining portions.

Agriculture officials say many new farmers are turning to flowers because the district is close to Dhaka, which reduces transport costs, makes marketing easier and ensures better profit margins.

Farmers say they have to invest the most in land preparation, irrigation, fertiliser, and pest control to meet the demand for the three major occasions in February.

Babul Hossain of Fordnagar in Dhalla Union has been growing flowers for 18 years. He started with two bighas and now cultivates 25 bighas. "February always brings the highest demand. If flower imports stay low, local growers get a good price," he said.

Grower Ibrahim said that five-colored China roses are his main source of income. "Each rose sells for Tk 30 to 35, while the capped roses go for Tk 45 to 50. The weather has been good, so the quality is high," he said.

Chrysanthemum grower Sabujur Rahman has planted white and yellow varieties on 52 decimals of land. His total production cost is about Tk 250,000. If the price remains stable, he expects a profit of around Tk 150,000.

Gypsy grower Tuhin spent Tk 40,000 on 1.5 bighas of land. He hopes to make a profit of Tk 30,000 to 40,000 from the field this season.

A visit to wholesale shops show that local roses are selling for Tk 30-40 each, gerberas for Tk 40-50, gladiolus for Tk 20-30, and tuberose for Tk 10-15. As demand increases, prices are also rising.

But farmers are also worried. Costs for fertiliser, pesticides, labour, and transport have increased sharply in recent years, reducing their profits. Abdul Majid of Dhalla said he usually sells flowers worth Tk 400,000-500,000 a month, leaving him with Tk 80,000-90,000 in profit. "This year, fungus attacks and higher costs may cut into that," he said.

Another grower, Siraj Mia, said production is good, but rising input costs are taking away much of the expected income.

Dhaka's wholesale markets are the main destination for Singair's flowers. They are also transported daily to Gazipur, Narayanganj, Savar, and nearby areas. Sohel Rana, a wholesaler from Fordnagar, said advance orders arrived ahead of Pohela Falgun and Valentine's Day. However, higher transport costs are putting pressure on traders.

Azhar Ali, a flower seller on Shahid Rafiq Road, said Singair's flowers have strong demand in Dhaka because of their quality and comparatively lower prices.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Habibul Bashar Chowdhury said business usually rises during this season. "Flower farming has expanded here for more than a decade. This year, both cultivation area and production have increased. With good connectivity with Dhaka, farmers can market their flowers quickly and earn a better price.

We expect sales to reach at least Tk 35 million during the three festival days."

He added that February has now become the most profitable month for flower growers in Singair.

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