Kathmandu, January 25
Flower traders of the country have said they are importing rose stems worth Rs 15 million for the Valentine’s Day this year. The country will buy around 160,000 stems of roses for the celebration.
The domestic production will be restricted to around 40,000 stems.
Kathmandu will consume around 60 per cent of the rose stems on the Valentine’s Day.
Traders have expected a rise in the price thanks to the increased demand. Kumar Kasaju Shrestha, President of the Floriculture Association Nepal, says the price has increased in the international market as well.
He informs that one stem costs Rs 50 to Rs 100 this time.
The country had imported rose stems worth Rs 12.5 million last year, according to the Association.
The country’s annual turnover in the flower business is worth around Rs 200 million, and the domestic production covers just around 10 per cent of it, the Association informs.
Though criticised for being an apparent western culture, the festival is popular among the urban youth of Nepal.
