Middlemen reap Tanahun flower profits
Summary
Commercial flower farmers in Tanahun are struggling with low farmgate prices, rain damage and weak market access as Tihar approaches. Middlemen are earning a large share of the profits, with marigolds selling for Rs. 300 per kilogram from farmers and up to Rs. 1,000 per kilogram in the market.
Key Points
- Commercial flower farmers in Tanahun say they are facing unsold produce, rain damage and uncertain prices ahead of Tihar.
- Women in Chhimliswara sold marigolds for Rs. 300 per kilogram while the same flowers were retailing for Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,000 per kilogram.
- Limited direct access to markets has allowed intermediaries to capture much of the profit from flower sales.
- Myagde Rural Municipality says it is supporting local flower growers and encouraging the use of locally grown flowers in official programmes and festivals.
