KATHMANDU: The First Tihar Flora Expo 2082 kicked off today in Kathmandu. Organized by the Nursery Association Nepal, the expo is a grand showcase of flowers, fruits, agroforestry products, and nursery businesses, it is said.
Inaugurating the event, Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr. Govinda Prasad Sharma, echoed the need to prioritize the concerns of genuine and small-scale farmers in government policies. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring a sustainable market for agricultural products, noting that subsidies alone are not sufficient to meet the needs of farmers.
“Domestic agricultural production and natural security are our priorities. Our policies must be farmer-friendly. It is also our responsibility to support small-scale farmers, reduce risks in agriculture, and promote local produce,” he stated.
Vice President of the Association and event coordinator, Laxmi Maharjan, shared that the five-day event features over 700 varieties of nursery plants. The expo also includes stalls showcasing fertilizers, seeds, agricultural tools, and technologies.
The event is expected to attract at least 35,000 visitors and generate transactions worth over Rs. 7 million.