Dulal Mia of Bhairab, Kishoreganj, has succeeded by growing ornamental flowers in his nursery for 37 years. He lives in Gochhamara Paschimpara in Shimulkandi union of the upazila, and his nursery employs 16-20 or more people.

On a visit, roses, marigolds and various other flowers were in bloom at the nursery, and the owner and his workers were tending plants and cutting roses and marigolds for sale. On 120 decimals of his own land he grows roses, white roses, marigolds, tuberoses and other flowers. He collects flowers from the nursery and sells them wholesale and retail at his two shops.

Dulal Mia told Jagonews that he started growing flowers as a hobby. He first grew flowers at a nursery in Savar, and after eight years there began growing various flowers commercially in the Madrasa area of Bhairab town. Later he started on his own land in his home village. After 37 years of flower farming he has succeeded and set up two flower shops.

He said: "I have the nursery and two flower shops. We sell all year round. Those who only have gardens wait for special days. This year, for Valentine's Day, about 1,400 red roses and 1,000 marigolds were cut from the garden and sent to the shops for sale."

Dulal Mia said: "Wholesale, 100 roses sell for Tk 1,100 in the market. The nursery can earn about Tk 35-40 thousand a month. But not everyone can keep a flower garden; growing flowers has to do with the heart. I became interested only after weighing everything up. I have done well taking it up as a profession. Society respects this work, and I feel very proud."

Nursery worker Zakir Hossain, from Katiadi upazila, said: "Every day, as soon as I get up, I tend the nursery, then collect flowers and take them to the shop for sale. There is demand for our flowers all year, and more on special days. Every February there are three special days together, so we prepare in advance. About 1,100-1,200 roses are cut from the nursery every day. They sell for Tk 11 wholesale and Tk 20 retail."

Another worker, Raju Mia, said: "I've been working as a caretaker in the garden for four months. I start tending the plants every morning. If the care is lacking for any reason, the plants produce fewer flowers, so they have to be looked after properly."

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.