Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, March 17:

Crown Princess Himani inaugurated the five-day long Floriculture Trade Expo-2005 at a function at Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Hall in Kathmandu on Thursday. On the occasion, the Crown Princess gave away awards to eight nurseries participating in the fair for their outstanding performance related to various aspects of floriculture. The awards were given in the categories of flower decoration, best plant, best cut flower, and best stall. Organised by the Floriculture Association of Nepal (FAN), the fair will run till March 21.The Crown Princess also observed flowers from various nurseries being displayed at the fair with great interest.

Speaking on the occasion, Minarba Bista, president of FAN asked for government support on market promotion as well as infrastructure development to foster the floriculture trade.

She also said there should be a timely distribution of seeds and building of storage facilities as the flower business keeps steadily growing. “The floriculture business has witnessed a remarkable growth and now Nepal has become self-sufficient in cut flowers,” said Bista, adding that the annual trade volume is in the range of Rs 200 million.

Binod Bahadur Shrestha, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) said, there is a good prospect for floriculture in the country. He also stressed on government support to promote floriculture trade as a large-scale industry. Agro Enterprises Centre at FNCCI and Export Promotion Committee are co-organisers of the event.

According to organisers, more than 450 species of flowers, decorative plants, garden plants, cut flowers, seeds and saplings, machinery, fertilizer and insecticides are on display at 50 stalls.