Photo : Messenger
In Pabna district, known for its thriving vegetable industry, a new trend is emerging among young entrepreneurs: floral farming. Recognizing the lucrative market potential, many are turning to this sector.
Leading the charge are three brothers who have achieved remarkable success by commercializing rose cultivation, garnering attention and revitalizing the floral farming prospects in the region.
Khandaker Zafar Ullah (Takun), Khandaker Shariful Alam Rana, and Khandaker Ashraful Bari Shaheen have not only diversified their family's agricultural pursuits but have also significantly increased their monthly income. Their joint venture is yielding profits ranging from Tk 2 to Tk 2.5 lakh per month, excluding expenses, on their 6 bigha land.
Originally stemming from a bamboo garden on their ancestral property, the brothers ventured into rose cultivation with a total of 36,000 rose seedlings, obtained from local and Indian sources. Their rose garden now boasts four varieties of China hybrid roses—Jumulia, Beauty, Virgo, and Bambam—in addition to seven different colors. Initially starting with two employees, the rose garden now provides employment to six individuals, and the monthly salary expenditure amounts to about 70,000 taka.
The brothers' pioneering efforts have not gone unnoticed, prompting elder brother Khandaker Zafar Ullah to note the profitability of floriculture, emphasizing their success in turning a previously bamboo-centric land into a thriving rose garden. Khandaker Shariful Alam Rana, with extensive experience in the nursery business, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing commercial rose cultivation to Pabna, foreseeing a bright future for the enterprise.
Despite facing challenges in marketing their flowers in Pabna, the brothers have already made significant strides in expanding their reach to various areas, including Dhaka city. With expectations to sell flowers worth Tk 4 lakh in February, the brothers are optimistic about the future of flower cultivation in the region. Moreover, Khandaker Ashraful Bari Shaheen emphasized the profitability of flower cultivation compared to other crops and vegetables, highlighting the support received from the Department of Agriculture.
Acknowledging the rising demand for flowers nationwide and the need to reduce reliance on imports, Pabna Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Sahana Parveen Labani expressed the department's commitment to promoting flower cultivation in the district. Moreover, she recognized the pivotal role played by the brothers in inspiring other farmers to explore flower cultivation, underscoring the potential for a broader agricultural transformation in the region.
The innovative venture undertaken by the three brothers not only signifies a significant shift in agricultural practices but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for the entire district, fostering hope for a flourishing future in flower cultivation.
Messenger/tareq
