Export potential and challenges for Nepal floriculture

For the first time in history the government efforts were initiated for the development of the floriculture sub-sector during the Fourth Plan period (1971-75) with the setting up of Brihat Bagbani Centre (Floriculture Centre) in Sarlahi District in Southern-Central part of Nepal. This farm received technical and financial support from the Indian and Australian Governments. About 600 varieties of roses and 200 varieties of bougainvillea and other seasonal flowers were propagated during one and half decades of its operation.

So far the floriculture sub-sector in Nepal is thriving without a well-defined policy, strategies and any incentives toward strengthening competitiveness. The Master Plan for Horticulture Development (1991-2010) and the Agricultural Perspective Plan (1995-2015) are silent on floriculture aspects. It was only in the Tenth Five Year Plan (2001-2006) a general priority thrust was given to the development of floriculture, as one of the high value products. The document is still ambiguous on the roles of the government including institutions like the NARC and HDD, on R&D, technological upgrading, market promotion, HRD and other supportive measures.
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