JASHORE, Dec 14 (UNB): Despite facing extreme weather challenges earlier this year, flower farmers in Jhikargacha upazila, Jashore, expect generating Tk 1.0 billion (100 crore) in sales during the peak flower season from December to April.
The region, centred around Godkhali - one of Bangladesh's largest flower markets - supplies some 70 per cent of the country's flower demand.
Farmers in Godkhali, Panisara, Navaron, Nirbashkhola, and Haria are currently working tirelessly to nurture their crops ahead of significant national occasions, including Victory Day, New Year, Pahela Falgun, Valentine's Day, International Mother Language Day and Independence Day.
Earlier this year, unseasonal heavy rainfall and high temperatures posed significant challenges for Jashore's flower farmers.
Many crops were damaged, resulting in financial losses for farmers, who are now putting extra effort into their fields to recover.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), around 1,200 hectares of land in Jhikargacha are under flower cultivation this year, involving some 6,000 families.
Farmers have planted 11 flower varieties, including roses, tuberoses, gladioli, gerberas, marigolds, and chrysanthemums.
Abdur Rahim, President of the Jashore Flower Producers and Marketing Cooperative Society Ltd, acknowledged the difficulties faced due to erratic weather.
However, he remains optimistic, saying, "If everything goes well, farmers could sell flowers worth Tk 1.0 billion this season."
A visit to the bustling Godkhali wholesale flower market revealed an optimistic start to the season. Freshly harvested flowers were being transported via vans, bicycles, and motorcycles to buyers across the country.
Market prices for flowers have already begun to rise. Roses are selling for Tk 6-7 each, tuberoses for Tk 8, gladioli for Tk 14-16, and gerberas for Tk 13 per stick.
Bundles of kamini leaves are priced at Tk 55, while gypsy bundles are sold for Tk 100 each.
Chrysanthemums and marigolds are fetching Tk 350-400 per 100 flowers and Tk 400-450 per 1,000 flowers, respectively.
Farmers like Anwar Hossain are hopeful about turning a profit despite earlier setbacks.
Having invested Tk 0.2-0.25 million on two bighas of gerbera cultivation, Anwar expects sales of Tk 700,000-800,000 this season.
Shohag, a rose grower, shared his determination: "The monsoon arrived unusually this year, but I'm giving extra care to my crops. If prices hold, there will be a profit."
Local authorities are stepping in to support flower growers. The DAE is organising training sessions and workshops to teach farmers how to produce perfumes and essential oils from their flowers.
Efforts are also underway to improve flower transportation and preservation, ensuring higher returns for growers.
Jahangir Alam, Jhikargacha Upazila Agriculture Officer, highlighted the current favourable weather conditions and the farmers' dedication. "If the weather remains stable and market conditions are favourable, sales of Tk 1.0 billion are within reach this season," he said.
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