February has turned Singair in Manikganj into a sea of colour as growers and traders gear up for Pohela Falgun, Valentine’s Day and International Mother Language Day, expecting sales of up to Tk3 crore within days.
The three observances have coincided this year with post-election greetings for victorious candidates, adding to the anticipated surge in demand, traders said.
Fields across the upazila are blooming with roses, gerbera, marigold, gladiolus and tuberose, as growers race against time to harvest and transport fresh flowers to key markets.
According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, flowers have been cultivated commercially on 32 hectares this season, about 15 per cent more than last year, with produce supplied mainly to Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj and nearby districts.
As the festivals draw closer, prices have begun to climb.
Domestic roses are now selling at Tk40 to Tk50 apiece, gerbera at Tk50 to Tk60, gladiolus at Tk25 to Tk30 and tuberose at Tk10 to Tk15, traders said, adding that prices may rise further on peak days.
Officials estimate average daily sales of Tk80 lakh to Tk90 lakh during the three-day period.
Growers describe the season as the backbone of their annual income, although rising input costs have squeezed margins.
Fertiliser and pesticide prices have climbed sharply, while labour shortages and higher wages have pushed up production costs, leaving many farmers worried about profitability.
Grower Majid from Dhallah Union, who has been cultivating flowers for a decade, said he planted 15 bighas of land with China rose and other varieties this season.
He sells flowers worth Tk4 lakh to Tk5 lakh a month on average, but after expenses earns Tk80,000 to Tk1 lakh, and this year fungal attacks and higher pesticide costs have eroded returns.
He said better prices during the upcoming observances could help offset recent losses.
Another grower from the same area, Siraj Mia, said favourable weather has improved the colour and size of blooms, but higher fertiliser, pesticide and labour costs are cutting into profits.
Family participation has become crucial in sustaining production.
Fordnagar student Solaiman, now studying at honours level, works alongside his father and brothers to manage irrigation, harvesting and packaging, reducing labour expenses while supporting the family enterprise.
Wholesale trader Sohel Rana said advance orders are coming from Dhaka, Gazipur and Narayanganj, though transport and labour costs have increased operational pressure.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Habibul Bashar Chowdhury said flower cultivation has emerged as a promising economic sector in Singair.
He said wider use of modern technology, balanced fertiliser application and improved market management and storage facilities could help farmers control costs and raise profitability in the long term.
