Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

Despite the lingering chill in the air, the end of the Bengali month of Magh signals the arrival of Falgun. Flower farmers in Narayanganj's floral villages are making extensive preparations, tending to their gardens regularly. Farmers in Rupganj, Sonargaon, and Bandar upazilas—especially in areas like Sabdi, Dighaldi, Kolagachia, Madanganj, and Gokul Daser Bagh—have set a sales target of at least 10 crore taka worth of flowers this season.

According to Muhammad Shah Alam, Deputy Director of the Narayanganj District Agriculture Extension Department, more than 103 hectares of land in the district have been commercially cultivated for flowers this season. Among them, 80 hectares are in various villages of Kolagachia Union in Bandar Upazila, 16 hectares in Rupganj, and 4.5 hectares in Sonargaon. About 300 farming families in these areas are engaged in flower cultivation. The flowers grown here are supplied to wholesale traders in Narayanganj, Dhaka, Narsingdi, and other districts.

Kolagachia in Bandar Upazila is well-known for flower cultivation. Every year, local flower farmers set business targets for February. The village of Sabdi, in particular, is recognized as the "Kingdom of Flowers." With occasions like the first day of Falgun, Valentine's Day, and International Mother Language Day, more than 300 flower farmers and their families are currently busy with preparations. This year, they expect flower sales to reach at least 10 crore taka.

As February unfolds, flower farmers are strategically planning their sales around Valentine's Day on February 14 and International Mother Language Day on February 21. Flowers from Narayanganj are not only sold locally but also transported to various parts of the country, including the capital.

On Friday, February 7, a visit to Sabdi village revealed a breathtaking landscape of blooming flowers. Everywhere one looked, vibrant flowers like marigold, gerbera, gypsy, gladiolus, dahlia, gardenia, jasmine, hibiscus, tuberose, and around 25 other varieties were in full bloom.

The scenic flower gardens have also attracted numerous visitors from different areas. While enjoying the beauty and taking pictures, visitors are being advised by farmers not to pick the flowers or damage the gardens. Farmers have expressed satisfaction that visitors are being more cautious this year compared to previous years.

Commercial flower cultivation is widespread in various villages, including Sabdi, Felerdi, Akhtala, Mukh Koldi, Dighaldi, Madhabpasha, Arjadi, Shelsardi, and areas like Choudhuribari, Chinaradi, Mollabari, Kolabagh, Nabiganj, and Tingao in Bandar Upazila.

In every flower garden, farmers are actively engaged in tending to their plants. They mentioned that although this year's flower production is slightly lower than last year's, they are still hopeful about good prices. However, some farmers noted that their flowers might not be ready in time for the Valentine's Day market due to delayed planting. Instead, they are targeting sales after February 21. If planting had started earlier, they believe they could have fully met their sales targets.

Locals shared that commercial flower cultivation in Sabdi began in the 1980s with marigolds and gardenias. Over time, the business has expanded, bringing economic prosperity to the area.

Rohim Mia, a flower farmer from Sabdi, stated that this year's favorable weather, with no storms or heavy rainfall, has resulted in a good harvest. The gardens are full of flowers, spreading their fragrance. Many traders have already started negotiations with farmers, and some have even sold their entire gardens in advance. From February 10 onward, traders will start collecting flowers, with an estimated total sales volume of 10 crore taka across the upazila. However, some gardens may miss the Valentine's Day market due to delayed cultivation.

He also mentioned that, in previous years, visitors often damaged the gardens, but this time they are being more mindful, bringing relief to the farmers.

According to sources, for over a decade, about 400 bighas of land along the Brahmaputra River in Narayanganj's Bandar Upazila—including Sabdi, Dighaldi, and Madhabpasha—have been used for commercial flower farming. Many once-impoverished farmers have achieved financial stability through flower cultivation.

A field visit revealed a stunning array of flowers, including marigold, cherry, chrysanthemum, hibiscus, sunflower, galleria, dahlia, star, mam, gardenia, jasmine, gypsy, and over 40 other varieties.

A significant portion of the flower demand at Dhaka’s Shahbagh, the country's largest flower market, is met by these gardens. Over the years, these flower fields have also turned into popular tourist attractions, drawing hundreds of visitors daily.

Sudhir Chandra Haldar, a garden owner from Dighaldi village, shared that this year’s flower production has exceeded expectations. He estimated that the total sales from Sabdi, Dighaldi, and Madhabpasha alone could reach 20 crore taka. However, he noted that despite high demand, financial constraints prevent large-scale expansion of flower farming in the region.

Students Md. Ilyas, Happy, and Samiya commented that with Valentine’s Day and Falgun approaching, flower demand has surged, causing prices to triple. They expressed concerns that traders are exploiting the high demand, which they believe is unfair.

Muhammad Shah Alam, Deputy Director of the Narayanganj District Agriculture Extension Department, stated that several initiatives have been taken to further expand flower cultivation. The department has engaged with flower garden owners to understand their challenges. He assured that if financial assistance is needed, arrangements will be made through the agricultural bank. Additionally, he mentioned that the issue of loans for flower farmers would be discussed with the Upazila and District Council loan committees to facilitate easy credit access for garden owners.