By Dr Aynal Haque
RAJSHAHI, Feb 25, 2021 (BSS) – Flower farming has started bringing a new
dimension in Rajshahi’s economy because many people are showing interest in
the blossom farming commercially in the region including its vast Barind
tract at present.
Amid the gradually mounting demands of flowers the number growers are
escalating as they are seen reaping more benefits from the cultivation
compared to many other cash crops.
Sohel Rana, 30, of Hamidkura village under Bagha Upazila has become an
icon in the field of flower farming in the area.
He has started the farming on around three decimals of land in their
homestead based on his fascination in 2015. In the initial year, he had sold
flowers worth around Taka 8,000 but his expenditure was Taka 3,000.
In the following year, he attained profit of Taka two lakh after selling
gladiolus flower of Taka three lakh from 20 decimals of land from his field
directly.
He said many people have built their fortunes through flower farming as
it’s more profitable than many other cash crops.
The flower farming has started bringing a new dimension in the process
of crop diversification in the region as various governments and non-
government entities concerned are working to this end.
Another farmer Nadim Hossain, 35, of Godagari Upazila has gained fame
from the farming of varieties of flowers like Gerbera, gada, rose,
rajanigandha and gladiolus.
He said the traders purchase flowers from his field as per their choice
and demand directly making him profitable.
The cultivation of gladiolus flower has turned a boon for Kayum Ali, a
farmer of Godagari Upazila. He said he made a huge profit in 2012 farming
this variety of flower.
“I have cultivated the flower on one and half bighas of land spending
around Taka 25,000 this year and already sold flowers worth Taka 1.80 lakh,”
Kayum said.
He said with a smiling face that he is hopeful to make a profit of
around Taka 1.85 lakh in a season and increase the acreage in the years to
come.
Bagha Upazila Agriculture Officer Shafiullah Sultan told BSS that many
of the farmers are getting success in farming of both flowers and its
seedlings. “We are inspiring the farmers in cash crop farming besides
providing seeds to them,” he added.
A large number of farmers are passing a busy time in farming flowers on
a commercial basis as they are getting a good yield and price.
The farming of different varieties of flowers including gladiolus,
marigold, rose, tuberose and gerbera is gaining popularity across the region
during the current season.
Owing to the lucrative market price, the farmers are getting more
involved in cultivating flowers, Agriculturist Sultan added.
Godagari Upazila Agriculture Officer Shafiqul Islam said soil and
environment of Barind area is suitable for flower farming.
There is enormous scope of boosting flower yield if timely irrigation
and fertilisation was ensured, he added.
The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) has adopted necessary
measures for providing training to the farmers for expansion of flower
farming in the region.
Sirajul Islam, Additional Director of DAE, said there is a big market
for flowers in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj and other neighbouring districts.
Gladiolus sticks of different colours like white, red, yellow, scarlet,
pink, violet, rosy, lipstick and blue are grown in the same plot, flower
growers said. The flower can be harvested within 70 days and it grows all
over the year, he added.
Business leaders and Agriculturists have suggested boosting cultivation
of indigenous flowers to reduce dependence on import as the demand of flowers
has recently been increased sharply in the region.