Farmers grew crops and vegetables. They did not grow flowers. Not for commercial purpose. Not until now.
With high end hotels and offices switching from plastic to natural flowers, the demand is growing and with the demand growing, cultivating flowers for commercial purpose is no longer uncommon.
Growing flowers as a business is now slowly making inroads from urban areas like the capital city to farms in rural areas.
Thirty six-year-old Divya Gurung of Bhimtar village in Chengmari has always been passionate about flowers. It was a hobby.
“I never thought there was a business opportunity till 2008, during the coronation, when my sister in law encouraged me to take part in a contract from the city corporation to supply flowers.”
She won the contract and supplied the flowers. Then, there was no looking back. She realized she can combine business and pleasure. She started a nursery. Currently her nursery has more than 100 different varieties of flowers.
“In Samtse, we depend on demands from the dzongkhag offices. I also supply flowers in Thimphu.”
Business is good but for Divya, growing flowers will always be more than a business. It will be a labour of love.
