Commercial Flower Farming Transforms Lives in Rajshahi By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Feb 22, 2025 (BSS) – Commercial flower farming is proving to be a game-changer for many in Rajshahi, offering economic opportunities and transforming the landscape of the region, including its vast Barind Tract.

Hassan Al Sadi, 42, has established a flower garden on eight bighas of land in Polashbari, Paba upazila, drawing visitors with its stunning variety of blooms. His ‘Dreamers Garden’ features tulip, celosia, servida, pitulia, gladiolus, pongee, verbena, gejenia, china gada, drip chandra mallika, clox, and cosmos. Inspired by a tulip garden in Shripur, Gazipur, Hassan set up his own in 2020, utilizing open spaces within his mango orchard for intercropping.

“There is great potential for growing flowers in mango orchards as intercropping, given that vast lands remain fallow for six to eight months every year,” Hassan noted.

Success Stories in Flower Farming

Many others in the region have found success in flower farming. Zafar Iqbal, 48, of Proshadpara village, started with just 10 kathas of land six years ago. Now, with the support of his wife Nusrat Jahan, he cultivates flowers across 10 bighas, enjoying remarkable success.

Similarly, Sohel Rana, a resident of Bagha upazila, has become a leading name in flower farming. Starting in 2014 with an investment of Taka 3,000, he earned Taka 8,000 in his first year. This season alone, he has already sold Taka 45,000 worth of flowers, with an expected total of Taka 55,000 to 60,000.

Rana, who completed his post-graduation in Islamic History from Rajshahi College in 2016, highlighted that January and February yield the highest number of flowers. Tulip stems sell for Taka 10 to 15, while wholesalers from Rajshahi, Natore, and Ishwardi purchase them at Taka 10 to 12 per stem.

A Booming Industry

Agricultural experts highlight the growing success of flower farming in the region. Bagha Upazila Agriculture Officer Shafiullah Sultan confirmed that farmers are thriving in both flower and seedling production. “We are actively encouraging farmers by providing seeds and technical support,” he said.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) noted that the cultivation of gladiolus, marigold, rose, tuberose, and gerbera has gained immense popularity this season due to high market demand and attractive pricing.

One such success story is Kayum Ali, a farmer from Godagari upazila, who made a significant profit in 2023 growing gladiolus. “This year, I invested Taka 25,000 on one and a half bighas of land and have already sold flowers worth Taka 1.80 lakh,” he shared.

A Boost to Rajshahi’s Economy

According to Motaleb Hossain, Additional Director of DAE, flower farming is reshaping Rajshahi’s economy, with more youth taking up commercial flower cultivation. “Soil and climate conditions in the Barind area are ideal for flower farming. If proper irrigation and fertilization are ensured, production can increase significantly,” he added.

Farmers in Godagari, Kakonhat, Mundumala, Tanore, Amnura, Nachole, Gomostapur, Sapahar, Porsha, and Niamatpur have embraced flower farming, marking a new chapter of prosperity in the region.