XI. FLORICULTURE

XI. FLORICULTURE

Due to the variation in climate, topography and vegetation, Nepal has a diversity of ornamental plants which could be scientifically cultivated to promote export oriented business. The flower and orchid industry is presently concentrated in the Kathmandu valley. The commercial development of floriculture is still a very early stage of development. Out of nearly 25 flower growers, only 3 have entered export business in recent times. The development of tissue culture initiated by the National Herbarium and Plant Laboratory at Godavari is opening up opportunities for mass production of flowers which could be exported from Nepal. Already tissue culture method pf propagation has been successfully developed in the production of orchids and other cut flower species carnation and chrysanthemums have also been similarly developed.
Prospects for the development of floriculture business are excellent especially for the following species of orchids: cymbidiums, dendrobiums, calanthe, ceologyne. Similarly in other cut flowers carnations, gerbera, rose, gladiolus primulinus, iris polyanthes, chrysanthemum, narcissus tazella offer very good prospects. It is also feasible to introduce the following varieties for commercial development in Nepal: Exotic orchids - paphiopedilum, cattelya hybrids, arachris, epidendrons, mokara, oncidium and odontoglossums; exotic cut flowers - tulipa. anthurium, alstroemeria, freesia and gysophilila.
Foreign collaboration for the development of floriculture to provide technical know-how for cultivation of flowers is required to meet the standards demanded in international markets and to provide guidance in market identification and development. The availability of direct flight connections to Frankfurt, London, Dubai, New Delhi, Singapore and Hongkong offer good prospects for the development of a profitable export oriented floriculture business in Nepal.