Jashore’s Godkhali flowers expected to fetch Tk 100 crore

Bunches , bouquets and garlands at the Shahbagh flower market in Dhaka City

Benapole, Feb 8 -Farmers in Godkhali of Jhikargacha upazila, Jashore, renowned as the flower capital of the country, are making final preparations for the upcoming Pahela Falgun (first day of spring as per Bengali calendar), Valentine’s Day, and International Mother Language Day. 

With these major events approaching, farmers are diligently tending to their flower plants, anticipating a rise in prices and hoping for significant profits. 

Across the vast fields of Godkhali, Navaron, and Panisara unions, an array of vibrant flowers can be seen. Farmers in the region are cultivating at least 13 different varieties, including roses, gerberas, gladiolus, tuberoses, marigolds, lilies, gypsy flowers, and chrysanthemums, on a commercial scale. 

On Thursday morning, a visit to the wholesale flower market in Godkhali revealed a bustling scene, with farmers lining the Jashore-Benapole highway from the early hours to sell their flowers. A sudden rise in temperature has led to an abundant bloom, resulting in a market surplus.

While prices of gladiolus, tuberoses, gerbera, chrysanthemums, and marigolds have slightly dropped, the price of roses has surged. Over just two days, the price of roses has nearly doubled. Previously sold for Tk 5 each, roses were priced at Tk 8-10 per flower on Thursday. 

Traders estimate that flowers worth at least TK 100 crore will be sold during the three-day period surrounding these festivities. 

On the day, the market prices were as follows: 

Roses: Tk 8-10 per flower

Gerberas: Tk 8-10 per flower

Tuberoses: Tk 8-10 per stick

Gypsy bundles: TK 40-50

Marigolds: Tk 300-400 per thousand

Gladiolus: Tk 8-12 per flower (depending on colour)

Chrysanthemums: TK 3-5 per flower

With the demand increasing, flower prices are expected to rise further. 

Flower farmer Palash Hossain, who cultivated roses on 10 katha of land, expressed optimism, saying, “Just two days ago, the price of roses was Tk 5. Today, it has risen to Tk 8-10. I expect the price to go up even more in the coming days.” 

Similarly, gerbera farmer Sohan Hossain, who has cultivated flowers on two bighas of land, reported strong returns. “This year, I have received good prices. Gerberas are currently selling at Tk 10-12 each. As Valentine’s Day approaches, prices are expected to increase further, ensuring a profitable season.” 

Shakil Hossain, a flower trader from Kushtia, spoke about the growing demand. “I have purchased flowers worth around Tk 15,000, focusing mainly on roses. Compared to previous years, I anticipate making a higher profit.” 

Abu Zafar, General Secretary of the Godkhali Flower Growers and Traders Association, highlighted the seasonal boom. “Flowers are sold year-round, but the highest demand is seen during Pahela Falgun, Valentine’s Day, and International Mother Language Day. With these events approaching, the flower market is thriving. Prices are on the rise, and all stakeholders, including farmers and traders, are pleased. We expect sales to reach Tk 100 crore.” 

Godkhali in Jhikargachha, Jashore, has nearly 600 hectares of land dedicated to flower cultivation, supporting around 6,000 farmers. As the peak season unfolds, the thriving flower industry continues to contribute significantly to the region’s economy, bringing prosperity to thousands of growers and traders. - UNB