It is encouraging to note that the government has initiated a move to set up a ‘Flower Research Centre’ at Jhikargachha in Jashore in a bid to tap the growing flower market in the country through researches and thus facilitating the commercial flower farmers. The Planning Commission has already received a draft project proposal to this end from the Ministry of Agriculture and the project is under consideration. Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) will implement the project at an estimated cost of Tk 155.30 crore to be completed by June 2022.

Flower industry has emerged as a prospective sector in Bangladesh in recent times. The country exports flowers and floral products to many countries. Indigenous flowers like beli (jasmine), rose, marigold, rajanigandha, kamini, dahlia and foreign flowers like gladiolus are growing in profusion in various places in the country. About 80 per cent of the flowers is grown in Jashore region alone. Flowers are now cultivated in many districts of the country. With the passage of time and development of aesthetic sense among our people, giving gift of flower has become a popular habit among the country’s upper and middle classes.

Demand for flower is increasing significantly in the country. Scores of flower shops have sprung up in Dhaka and other cities and towns of the country. The owners of these shops do brisk business on Victory Day, Language Martyrs’ Day, Independence Day, and Valentine’s Day as thousands of people are seen purchasing flowers on those occasions for celebration. Affluent people and the people of moderate income group buy flowers on the occasion of wedding ceremony, birthday and many other social occasions. Besides, the people belonging to the Hindu community use flowers for ‘puja’ throughout the year.

 Flower cultivation in the country can be further boosted through government patronage. The flower growers can be provided with bank loans on easy terms and conditions. The country can earn huge foreign exchange by exporting flowers to the Middle East, Europe and many other countries. The sector is not only helping to earn substantial foreign currency but is also providing employment opportunities for a large number of people.

If the commercial banks provide loans on easy terms and conditions, more people will engage themselves in floriculture, thus creating jobs for many more people. Besides, training programme for farmers can be arranged for cultivation of flowers in a scientific way. Since flower is a perishable commodity, it can be exported through airways. Concession in air freight can help export of flowers. Besides, cargo planes can be used in carrying flowers.