Key Takeaways:

• Marigold flowers in Tanahun have bloomed before Tihar
• Farmers fear flowers may wilt before peak festival demand
• Cultivation expanded after growers earned over Rs 400,000 last year
• Farmers hope reduced imports will create a stronger local market

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 28 Marigold farmers in Tanahun are facing an unusual problem ahead of Tihar: their flowers are blooming too early. Fields that should be reaching peak flowering closer to the festival are already covered in blossoms, raising concerns that the flowers may lose freshness before demand peaks later this year. The worry is most visible in Chhimliswanra of Magde Rural Municipality-4, where members of the Chandeshwari Fruit and Vegetable Farmers' Group have expanded commercial marigold cultivation after earning more than Rs 400,000 from the crop last year. Encouraged by that success, farmers increased cultivation from six ropanis to 16 ropanis this season. But Tihar falls later than usual this year, and the flowers have bloomed roughly a week earlier than expected. 'We are worried that the flowers may not remain fresh until the festival,' said group chairperson Jitmaya Rana, adding that farmers are hoping lower imports from India could still create a strong market for local produce. For many growers, marigolds have become a profitable alternative to traditional crops such as millet, maize and cowpea. The flowers are cultivated not only in Magde but also in Aanbukhaireni, Shuklagandaki, Bhimad and Byas, where commercial flower farming has been expanding. As Tihar approaches, growers are watching both the weather and the market, hoping their fields of orange and yellow blooms remain saleable when festival demand arrives.