Exporting flowers and orchids
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Khurshid Azam
THERE are countries of the world which are sustained economically in great measures by their flower business. Holland, for example, is the world leader in producing for export huge quantities of flowers to the world's market. There is a big demand for flowers in some resourceful countries which do not have the facility to grow flowers on their own for climatic and other reasons. For instance, the oil rich gulf countries import a great deal of flowers from Holland and other European countries. Thus, internationally, the growing of flowers has become a many billions of dollars business.
Bangladesh, at present, is but a tiny stakeholder in this international business in flowers. Only in recent years, a small quantity of flowers has been exported from Bangladesh. But this beginning is showing up the prospect of large scale export of flowers from Bangladesh which seems to be specially suitable with its climate and soil fertility for the purpose. With planned investments in this sector, there is every prospect that Bangladesh can emerge as a notable exporter of horticultural products in the world's markets.
As it is, the flower growers in the country already enjoy a good domestic market. A recent newspaper report described how a poor woman at Noakhali could climb out of poverty by rearing flower trees in her tiny nursery and selling them. Indeed, this nursery business has taken a hold in other parts of the country. Particularly in Jessore, the nursery business and the growing of flowers are particularly noted. The flowers are marketed at Dhaka and other cities where there is a sustainable and growing demand for them.
However, the potentials of the flower business will be fully tapped after regular flower exports in large quantities start from Bangladesh. More private initiatives are required in this field. But government's various supports will spur the process. Flower and orchid exporters will need to be facilitated in the same manner as vegetable and fruit exporters with increased air freighting facilities through the national airline. The capacities of Biman will have to be augmented to this end. Rationalisation of ground handling and other charges of the airlines operating in the country is also needed to ensure the competitiveness of flower and orchid exporters and private flights chartered by them should become eligible for similar if not more facilities.
The exporters should aim to systematically set up value-chains by training the flower growers in respect of maintaining production at desired levels and ensuring the quality of products. Regular buying of the flowers and orchids from the producers -- under long term contracts for export -- will keep them interested in doing their work with high motivation.
THERE are countries of the world which are sustained economically in great measures by their flower business. Holland, for example, is the world leader in producing for export huge quantities of flowers to the world's market. There is a big demand for flowers in some resourceful countries which do not have the facility to grow flowers on their own for climatic and other reasons. For instance, the oil rich gulf countries import a great deal of flowers from Holland and other European countries. Thus, internationally, the growing of flowers has become a many billions of dollars business.
Bangladesh, at present, is but a tiny stakeholder in this international business in flowers. Only in recent years, a small quantity of flowers has been exported from Bangladesh. But this beginning is showing up the prospect of large scale export of flowers from Bangladesh which seems to be specially suitable with its climate and soil fertility for the purpose. With planned investments in this sector, there is every prospect that Bangladesh can emerge as a notable exporter of horticultural products in the world's markets.
As it is, the flower growers in the country already enjoy a good domestic market. A recent newspaper report described how a poor woman at Noakhali could climb out of poverty by rearing flower trees in her tiny nursery and selling them. Indeed, this nursery business has taken a hold in other parts of the country. Particularly in Jessore, the nursery business and the growing of flowers are particularly noted. The flowers are marketed at Dhaka and other cities where there is a sustainable and growing demand for them.
However, the potentials of the flower business will be fully tapped after regular flower exports in large quantities start from Bangladesh. More private initiatives are required in this field. But government's various supports will spur the process. Flower and orchid exporters will need to be facilitated in the same manner as vegetable and fruit exporters with increased air freighting facilities through the national airline. The capacities of Biman will have to be augmented to this end. Rationalisation of ground handling and other charges of the airlines operating in the country is also needed to ensure the competitiveness of flower and orchid exporters and private flights chartered by them should become eligible for similar if not more facilities.
The exporters should aim to systematically set up value-chains by training the flower growers in respect of maintaining production at desired levels and ensuring the quality of products. Regular buying of the flowers and orchids from the producers -- under long term contracts for export -- will keep them interested in doing their work with high motivation.