KATHMANDU: With Tihar approaching, marigold flowers are in full bloom across farmers’ fields, especially on ridges and slopes, keeping farmers busy with harvesting.

The commercial potential of flowers has attracted more farmers nationwide to flower cultivation. However, Nepal still relies heavily on imported and artificial plastic flowers, as domestic production has not yet achieved self-sufficiency.

In Nagarjun Municipality, Kathmandu, farmers report mixed results. While fields are lush with marigolds, yields are slightly lower than last year.

Local farmer Thulobhai Giri said, “Our fields are full of marigolds, but the bloom is a bit less than last year. Still, we are harvesting and bringing flowers to the market.”

Some farmers are even selling directly from their fields.

Pictures: