The 19th Chrysanthemum Flora Expo opened on October 29 at Jawalakhel Sports Ground in Lalitpur, showcasing over 450 varieties of flowers and ornamental plants in anticipation of the upcoming Tihar and Chhath festivals. The five-day event, organized by the Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN), is scheduled to run through November 2 under the theme "Plant Chrysanthemums, Beautify Your Home and Surroundings."

The exhibition was formally inaugurated by Rama Ale Magar, Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, Forests, and Environment of Bagmati Province. The event includes 86 stalls and features a range of activities such as flower competitions, a plant clinic, and floral decoration displays. Organizers anticipate attracting more than 39,000 visitors and facilitating business transactions exceeding Rs. 12 million.

Rajesh Bhakta Shrestha, president of FAN, highlighted that the expo—also known as the 19th Godavari Flower Competition and Exhibition 2083—seeks to promote domestic flower production, expand market opportunities, and reduce Nepal's reliance on imports. These goals are particularly significant as demand for flowers rises during the festival season.

Nepal’s floriculture industry has seen steady growth in recent years, with an annual turnover of approximately Rs. 3.94 billion recorded in the fiscal year 2025/26, representing a 16.61 percent increase from the previous year. Flower cultivation now spans more than 325 hectares across 54 districts, involving over 1,445 businesses and providing direct and indirect employment for upwards of 65,000 people.

Despite this progress, FAN notes that Nepal still depends heavily on imported flowers, seeds, and ornamental plants. The association has called on the government to update and enforce the Floriculture Promotion Policy 2069, streamline risk assessment procedures for plant imports, and introduce clear regulations for registering new flower varieties. FAN has also urged stricter regulation of artificial plastic flowers, citing environmental concerns and their negative impact on the market for locally grown varieties.

Additionally, FAN emphasizes the importance of promoting indigenous flowers and native plants to strengthen the country’s floriculture sector. The association believes that enhancing production quality and adopting modern techniques are essential for sustaining growth and meeting market demands.