Nepali Farmers See Record Prices For Flowers Ahead of Festivals

Farmers in Dhading, a district west of Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, are enjoying higher-than-expected returns from the sale of marigolds (sayapatri) and vadamalli (makhamali) this year, as demand for fresh flowers surges ahead of local festivals.

Each garland, particularly of makhamali, has been selling for around Nepali Rupees 500, while the price per kilogram of roses has reached up to Nepali Rupees 1,000, the highest levels reported in recent years, according to local growers.

Despite a ban on plastic garlands in some markets, traders say demand for artificial flowers remains strong, as consumers who cannot afford or find fresh flowers are turning to plastic alternatives.

Dhading’s flower harvest has largely been directed to Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, leaving local markets unable to meet all demand. Many small vendors report that their usual busy market squares are unusually empty, as wholesalers purchase flowers in bulk directly from farmers before they reach local stalls.

This year, some individual farmers sold up to 2,400 garlands, significantly boosting their income and highlighting the economic importance of floriculture for rural communities in Nepal.

With festival celebrations approaching, the scarcity of fresh flowers in local markets has led residents to source them from the capital or buy plastic alternatives, reflecting both cultural significance and market pressures shaping consumer choices.