The New Nation - Internet Edition

THERE are countries which are sustained economically in great measure through their flower exports. Holland, for example, is the world leader in producing huge quantities of flowers for export to the world's market. There is a big demand for flowers in some resourceful countries which do not have the facility to grow flowers on their own for climatic and related reasons. For instance, the oil rich gulf countries import a huge quantity of flowers from Holland and other European countries. Thus, internationally, growing of flowers has become a multi-billion dollar business.

Bangladesh, at present, is only a tiny stakeholder in this international market of flowers. Only in recent years, a small quantity of flowers has been exported from Bangladesh. However, this start is showing the prospect of large scale export of flowers from the country which seems to be specially suitable with its congenial climatic conditions and soil fertility for the purpose. With planned investments in this sector, there is every prospect that Bangladesh can emerge as a major exporter of horticultural products in the world's markets.

As it is, the flower growers in the country already have under their command a good domestic market. A recent newspaper report described how a poor woman at Noakhali could graduate out of poverty by raising flower plants in her tiny nursery and selling the output. Indeed, this nursery business has taken a hold in other parts of the country. Particularly in Jessore, the nursery business and the growing of flowers are particularly observed. The flowers are marketed in Dhaka and other cities where there is a sizeable and growing demand for them.

However, the potentials of the flower business can be fully tapped after regular flower exports from the country in large quantities is started. More private initiatives are required in this field. But government's promotional supports will expedite the process. Flower and orchid exporters will need to be facilitated in the same manner as vegetable and fruit exporters with increased air freighting facilities through the national airline. The capacities of Biman will have to be augmented to this end. Ground handling charges and other charges of Biman and foreign airlines will have to be scaled down to help the competitiveness of flower and orchid exporters and private flights chartered by them should become eligible for similar if not more facilities. The exporters should aim to systematically set up value-chains by training the flower growers in respect of maintaining production at desired levels and ensuring the quality of products. Regular buying of the flowers and orchids from the producers-under long-term contracts for export-will keep them interested in doing their work with high motivation.