Lalitpur: The 18th edition of the Godavari (Chrysanthemum) Flower Exhibition has officially begun in Lalitpur. The event, organized by the Floriculture Association of Nepal (FAN), showcases a total of 90 stalls dedicated to various floriculture exhibits.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, inaugurated the exhibition and committed to policy interventions and support to address issues faced by entrepreneurs in the flower industry. He acknowledged the commendable efforts of the private sector in promoting the floriculture sector and emphasized the need for entrepreneurs to adhere to quality standards through self-regulation.
Dr. Sharma also mentioned the advancement in the process of registering ornamental flowers under the Seed Regulation and highlighted the necessity to curb illegal flower imports. He urged entrepreneurs to promote domestic floriculture businesses actively.
Hemraj Dhakal, Vice-President of the Commodity Council in the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), called for suitable measures and facilities for seed development to boost the flower business. He also addressed concerns about the recent Gen-Z movement, criticizing the infiltration and related criminal activities, and emphasized the need for the interim government to create a conducive commercial environment.
Rabindra Thapa, Chief of the Floriculture Development Centre, expressed optimism that the exhibition would significantly enhance the flower industry and create employment opportunities within the sector. FAN Chairperson Rajesh Bhakta Shrestha highlighted the annual competitive exhibitions organized by the association to foster the development and promotion of the flower business. Chairperson Shrestha also projected that the five-day exhibition could generate over Rs 40 million in commercial transactions.