Rangpur’s Flower Revolution: Cultivating Prosperity Ahead of February Festivals

Rangpur, Bangladesh – As February approaches, Rangpur’s flower growers are abuzz with preparations for three major celebratory events—Basontoboron (the spring festival), World Love Day, and International Mother Language Day. With expectations of generating nearly one crore takas (approx. USD 82,645) in flower sales during these festivities, local cultivators are transforming traditional farming into a vibrant, profitable enterprise that marries art and agriculture.

Every February, despite a steady year-round demand, the market experiences an explosive surge in interest for flowers. “These three days in February drive our extensive preparations,” explained Shahin Mahmud, a seasoned flower grower from Burirhat in Rangpur city. “This year, the weather was exceptionally favorable—disease and pest issues were minimal, which allowed us to focus on routine care like watering, fertilizing, and final maintenance to ensure our blooms are at their peak.”

Across the region, gardens are bursting with color. Roses in vivid shades of red, white, and yellow, along with other striking hues, sway gently in the breeze. Local growers are not only cultivating popular varieties but also experimenting with both domestic and imported species such as marigold, Chandramallika, sunflower, gerbera, and tuberose. Some are even venturing into more exceptional types like gladiolus and lily to meet the increasingly diverse preferences of buyers.

Recognizing the potential in flower cultivation, the Agriculture Department of Rangpur has stepped in with robust support. Md. Afzal Hossain, Deputy Director of the Rangpur Agriculture Extension Department, remarked, “We are providing farmers with essential advice and hands-on training, which has resulted in an increase in the number of flower growers each year. Flower cultivation has evolved from a mere economic activity to a symbol of art and beauty. Our dedicated farmers are not only satisfying the local demand but are also contributing significantly to the national economy.”

Departmental data underscores this growth: in the Rangpur agricultural region—which spans the districts of Rangpur, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat, and Nilphamari—there are approximately 210 commercial flower gardens covering 74 hectares of land. With over a thousand laborers employed, the region is poised to hit the one crore taka sales mark (approx. USD 82,645) this season if market conditions remain favorable.

Many local farmers are shifting away from conventional crops like rice, jute, and vegetables, turning instead to the lucrative world of flower cultivation. This trend is particularly evident in the rise of gladiolus farming—a change that is transforming both landscapes and livelihoods.

Abdur Rashid, a young entrepreneur from Burirhat, epitomizes this transition. “My ancestors were rice and jute farmers, and I used to follow in their footsteps. However, inconsistent prices and mounting losses pushed me to consider alternatives,” Rashid recalled. “Based on advice from Agricultural Research Institute officials, I ventured into flower cultivation in 2019.”

Starting on a single bigha of land, Rashid began with varieties 3, 4, and 5 of gladiolus. Today, his garden is a kaleidoscope of white, red, purple, and yellow gladioli that sway gracefully in the seasonal breeze. “Within 70 to 75 days of planting, the flowers bloom, and they remain marketable for up to 100 days,” he explained. “On my 24-shotok plot, the cost for cultivating gladiolus was around 60,000 to 65,000 takas (approx. USD 496 to USD 537), while my potential earnings can reach approximately 1,20,000 takas (approx. USD 992).”

This transformation has not only improved Rashid’s financial standing but has also sparked local interest. “After seeing Rashid’s success, many of us became excited about flower cultivation,” said 23-year-old Rasul Ahmed, an aspiring young farmer. Similarly, Anowar Hossain (28) noted, “Traditional crops like tobacco and potatoes involve a lot of hassle and uncertainty, whereas flowers are much more profitable and sell effortlessly. This makes flower cultivation a very attractive way to achieve self-reliance.”

Alongside grassroots enthusiasm, research institutions are bolstering Rangpur’s floral industry. The Horticulture Research Centre of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) and the Rangpur Regional Agricultural Research Centre are actively promoting flower cultivation. They have established exhibition plots throughout the district to demonstrate best practices and to showcase diverse flower varieties, including gladiolus.

Dr. Ashish Kumar Saha, Chief Scientific Officer of the Rangpur Regional Agricultural Research Centre, explained, “The land in the Rangpur and Dinajpur regions is largely elevated, with fewer natural disasters, making it ideal for cultivating flowers like gladiolus. Our BARI-developed gladiolus variety, known for its superior quality and market demand, outperforms other varieties. With current production levels lagging behind demand, local farmers have a significant opportunity to not only serve the domestic market but also export flowers nationwide.”

Kamalaranjan Das, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, added, “Flower cultivation is highly profitable, which is why more young people are venturing into this field. On national occasions such as Love Day, Martyrs’ Day, Pohela Boishakh, and Victory Day, demand for flowers soars—allowing traders to earn crores of takas. BARI’s initiatives to make flowers more accessible and to boost traders’ incomes are commendable. I am hopeful that with growing support, farmers in this region will diversify their agricultural practices and embrace flower cultivation as a viable, long-term venture.”

Perhaps the most compelling evidence of this floral revolution is found in the personal stories of local entrepreneurs. Abdur Rashid’s journey—from a jobless youth facing financial uncertainty to a thriving flower cultivator—is both inspiring and emblematic of the broader change taking place in Rangpur.

After numerous setbacks in his quest for a conventional job, Rashid turned to a nursery-based venture. With a modest start-up capital of 40,000 takas (approx. USD 330) and training in nursery management, his decision to cultivate flowers soon transformed his fortunes. Today, Rashid is recognized as a pioneer in Rangpur’s flower cultivation scene, especially for his success with the foreign lily—a first for the region. “This season, I sold 1,700 lilies,” he noted proudly. His nursery now features nearly 300 different types of flowers, and he regularly sells both flowers and saplings.

The financial benefits are remarkable. “My monthly earnings from the flower business range between 40,000 and 100,000 takas (approx. USD 330 to USD 830),” Rashid shared. “I employ eight workers in my nursery, and many local women have also found opportunities here. My success has not only made me self-reliant but has also inspired others to consider flower cultivation.” A neighbor remarked, “Everyone is chasing after conventional jobs, but Abdur Rashid has shown that cultivating flowers can be both profitable and fulfilling. People from all over come to admire his garden and enjoy the beauty and fragrance of his blooms.”

Rashid also detailed the efficiency of his operations. “On just 500 decimal of land, with an investment of 30,000 takas (approx. USD 248) in lily cultivation, it’s possible to earn 300,000 takas (approx. USD 2,480) in three months,” he explained. His continued expansion plans include growing thousands more saplings to create a comprehensive, marketable collection of flowers. “I want to build on this success, not just for my own benefit but to provide employment and further inspire innovative agricultural practices in our community.”

The ripple effects of these success stories are evident throughout Rangpur. Local government officials and agricultural extension services are actively encouraging young people to explore flower cultivation as an entrepreneurial venture. Obaidur Rahman Mondal, Additional Director of the District Agriculture Extension Department, noted, “We are advising young people in every village to step up and become entrepreneurs. Whether it’s through gardening or other innovative ventures, we’re here to support them. Seeing success stories like Abdur Rashid’s is motivating many youths to start their own nurseries. Every day, new entrepreneurs are emerging in Rangpur, which is a very positive development for our region.”

This shift toward flower cultivation is not merely an economic trend—it represents a cultural and aesthetic transformation. Flower markets are bustling as vendors transport fresh blooms from Rangpur to cities like Dhaka, and local shops are continually restocked with a diverse array of flowers. The steady demand, combined with robust support from government agencies and research institutions, is setting the stage for a sustainable and prosperous future in flower cultivation.

Rangpur’s flower growers have embraced the challenges and opportunities of this dynamic industry with determination and creativity. As the region gears up for the upcoming February festivals, the sight of meticulously wrapped roses, elegantly arranged bouquets, and sprawling gardens stands as a testament to the transformative power of innovation in agriculture.

For many, the transition from traditional crop farming to flower cultivation has been life-changing. What was once seen as an alternative option has now emerged as a prestigious and profitable venture—one that seamlessly blends science, art, and entrepreneurship. With continued support from local authorities, extension services, and research centers, Rangpur is poised to become a hub of floral excellence, enriching both the local economy and the cultural landscape.

As festivals draw near and the aroma of fresh blooms fills the air, Rangpur’s flower growers remain committed to their craft, meticulously tending to each garden and ensuring that every petal reflects their passion and expertise. Their collective efforts not only enhance the region’s beauty but also drive economic growth, create vital employment opportunities, and inspire a new generation of agricultural innovators.

In a region traditionally dominated by conventional crops and tobacco, the rise of flower cultivation offers a refreshing reminder that with innovation, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, even the simplest resources can blossom into a revolution of beauty and prosperity.