Around 200,000 garlands of makhamali flowers are to be exported for the Tihar festival this year. According to the Floriculture Association of Nepal, 150,000 garlands of makhamali flowers were exported last year. Association Chairperson Dilip Bade said there is a demand for garlands of makhamali flowers especially in the US, Japan, Australia, Korea, and some countries in Europe as well as in the Gulf. The demand for such garlands has been increasing in other countries with an increasing number of Nepalis residing.
Floriculture has expanded in 52 districts including Kathmandu Valley, Kaski, Chitwan, Makawanpur, Kavrepalanchowk, Gulmi, Palpa, Dhading, and Morang. However, the country has not become self-dependent on Sayapatri or marigold flowers used during the Tihar festival.
Read more at The Rising Nepal