Mar 19, Kathmandu - The 27th Flora Expo, organized by the Floriculture Association Nepal, kicked off today at the Bhirkutimandap Exhibition Hall. The expo, running until Chait 8, aims to promote a clean environment, employment opportunities, and economic prosperity through the floral business under the theme: "For a Clean Environment, Employment, and Economic Prosperity."

During the inauguration, Bagmati Province Minister of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Madhusudan Poudel emphasized the need for further programs and policy suggestions to enhance the floral industry. He stated, “This is a competitive sector. It requires technological advancement. Preserving old plants and promoting new varieties are essential.”

Dr. Rajendra Prasad Mishra, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, highlighted the importance of the floral industry as a key sector for employment and prosperity.

Association President Rajesh Bhakta Shrestha revealed that floral businesses are currently active in approximately 270 hectares across 52 districts, employing over 53,500 people directly and indirectly. He pointed out challenges such as policy issues affecting the import of necessary seeds, saplings, and flowers, hindering timely business operations.

The expo is expected to attract around 60,000 visitors and generate over NPR 12 million in commercial transactions. The event features 65 stalls showcasing seasonal flowers, decorative plants, cut flowers, dried flowers, fertilizers, flower pots, seeds, greenhouses, agricultural tools, packaging materials, drip irrigation technology, modern floriculture techniques, organic pesticides, and floral decoration items.

Since 2051 BS (1994 AD), the Floriculture Association Nepal has been organizing regional and national floral fairs annually to promote the growth, expansion, and development of the floral industry.