Jashore flower fields bloom in hopes of Tk100cr peak season sales

As winter sets in with its chilly weather, the vast fields of Jhikargachha upazila in Jashore have begun to be in bloom with colourful flowers.

After enduring the harsh summer and monsoon, the region's flower farmers are now dreaming of brighter days, hoping to sell flowers worth Tk100 crore this season, thanks to the favourable winter climate.

They are working tirelessly to make the most of the upcoming peak season.

Agriculture officials say that while flower cultivation continues all year round in this region, the peak season spans five months, from December to April.

Typically, the demand for flowers is highest during occasions such as Martyred Intellectuals Day, Victory Day, New Year, Pahela Falgun, Valentine's Day, International Mother Language Day, Independence Day and Pahela Boishakh.

Farmers in Godkhali, Panisara, Navaron, Nirbashkhola and Haria in Jashore specifically plan their cultivation to target these events.

Sunnat Ali, a farmer from Potuyapara village, has cultivated roses on two bighas of land. He said, "I am putting in extra efforts to care for the fields now. If the prices are good during the upcoming events, I'll make a profit."

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), around 7,000 farmers cultivate flowers on 1,200 hectares of land in the region.

The region, centred around Godkhali – one of Bangladesh's largest flower markets – supplies some 70% of the country's flower demand.

Farmers have planted flower varieties, including roses, tuberoses, gladioli, gerberas, marigolds and chrysanthemums.

Earlier this year, unseasonal heavy rainfall and high temperatures posed significant challenges for Jashore's flower farmers.

Many crops were damaged, resulting in financial losses for farmers, who are now putting extra efforts into their fields in order to recover.

Flower farmer Sohag Hossain, said, "I've cultivated colourful gladiolus on one and a half bighas of land. Many plants were damaged by the rain. Each bigha has cost me Tk1.5 lakh. If the prices aren't good, we will face losses."

Another farmer, Siam Hossain, said, "We've recently weeded the flower fields and applied fertilisers and pesticides. Now, it's just a matter of regular irrigation. If the market holds strong, this year could be very profitable for us."

A visit to the bustling Godkhali wholesale flower market revealed an optimistic start to the season. Freshly harvested flowers were being transported via vans, bicycles and motorcycles to buyers across the country.

Along the Jashore-Benapole highway, farmers line up on both sides with an array of flower varieties, waiting for wholesale buyers.

A visit to the Godkhali market revealed that roses were selling at Tk4–Tk5 per piece, while tuberoses were priced at Tk6 each. Colorful gladiolus flowers fetched Tk12-Tk15 each, depending on quality, and gerberas were sold at Tk12–Tk14 each.

Besides, bundles of kamini leaves for flower arrangements were priced at Tk50, while bundles of gypsophila sold for Tk100. Chrysanthemums for garland-making were priced at Tk300–Tk400 per 100 flowers, and marigolds were sold at Tk300–Tk400 per thousand pieces.

Abdur Rahim, president of the Jashore Flower Producers and Marketing Cooperative Society, said, "This year, flower farmers suffered significant losses due to extreme heat followed by untimely rainfall. However, if everything goes well, flowers worth Tk100 crore could be sold from this region this season."

According to the Department of Agriculture, the farmers' expectations are likely to be met this season if favourable weather conditions persist and market demand remains strong.

Jhikargachha Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Jahangir Alam said, "Farmers are now extremely busy tending to their fields. If the weather and market conditions remain favourable, they are expected to trade flowers worth Tk100 crore this season. Annually, farmers in this region sell flowers worth around Tk150 crore."