Tulip farming boosts Panchagarh tourism, economy

PANCHAGARH, Feb 16 (UNB): Tulips - the brightly coloured flowers usually associated with the Netherlands - are now growing in Tetulia upazila of Panchagarh district, boosting tourism prospects and local economy.

Seeing the success of a pilot scheme, this year, tulips are being grown on a large tract of land in Darjipara of Tetulia.

Tulips grown in the Panchagarh district are now being sold in Dhaka due to high demand.

Last year, eight women earned Tk 65,000 each by growing tulips on their land - on a pilot basis - and this year, 20 women are growing the beautiful flowers on two acres of land considering the prospects.

This year, they are expecting to sell tulips worth Tk 10 million (one crore).

Financed by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), Echo Social Development Organisation (ESDO) and Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (MRTP) undertook the pilot project with the help of rural women.

They have created a new prospect for livelihood.

Each tulip flower is being sold at Tk 100 locally, and the local authorities have also opened a park in the gardens - creating additional opportunities for income from tourists.

Tulip farmers are also expected to export the flowers after meeting domestic demands.

During a recent visit to the tulip gardens, this correspondent found that the farmers have planted ten varieties of tulips in as many colours, including Antarctica (white), Denmark (orange), Lalibela (red), Dutch Sunrise (yellow), Strong Gold (yellow), Jantupika (light pink), While Marvel (white), Mistikve (pink), Happy Generation (white-red) and Golden Ticket (yellow).

Tourists from across the country are coming over to see the fiery blooms. Some were seen taking selfies while some were purchasing the flowers.Farmers and volunteers were busy attending the visitors.

Mukta Parveen, a tulip farmer, said, "This year, I have taken training from the local agriculture office and I hope sales will be good."

"Last year, we faced some difficulty in selling the flowers but this year we can sell them in Dhaka directly," she said.

When visiting the tulip gardens, Safin and Sipra from Chattogram said they were overwhelmed by the beauty of tulip flowers - something they had not seen before in person.

Md Masum Ali, assistant director of the Social Welfare Department, said tulip cultivation will boost the tourism sector of Tetulia.

Chief Coordinator of Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), Md Ainul Haque, said tulip bulbs have been imported from the Netherlands and so far Tk 8.0 million were spent as price of the bulbs, shed net, fencing net, chemical fertiliser, pesticide and labour cost for two acres of land.

After planting, the flowers start blooming within 18-20 days and last for 25-60 days after full bloom, he said.

It needs 15 degrees Celsius during the day time and 10 degrees Celsius at night and the weather of Panchagarh is favourable for tulip cultivation.

Jahangir Alam, Upazila Agriculture office, said the soil of the upazila is fit for tulip cultivation.

Dr Selima Ahkter, Director (administration) of ESDO, said they have set a target to earn over Tk 10 million.

Last year, they earned Tk 0.8 million (eight lakh) from 40 decimals of land allocated for growing tulips, she said.