Banke, November 4: Three young agriculture graduates in Nepalgunj have ventured into commercial flower farming, turning their academic knowledge into an entrepreneurial initiative ahead of the Tihar festival.

Bedraj Acharya, Asim Sigdel and Chetan KC have started cultivating flowers on 10 katthas of land in Futaha, Ward No. 19 of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City under their venture, Fit Farm.

The trio launched the initiative with a modest investment and began experimental cultivation in Shrawan this year, using flower seeds brought from Chitwan.

Taking into account the challenges of monsoon farming, they selected land with proper drainage facilities to prevent waterlogging.

Their efforts have started yielding encouraging results, with demand for flowers increasing ahead of Tihar. The farm has already received advance orders from different parts of the country while also selling flowers in the local market.

According to Acharya, the venture has generated flower sales worth around Rs. 50,000 ahead of the festival.

Although they have received orders from Butwal, Dang, Kathmandu and Surkhet, the young entrepreneurs are prioritizing customers in their local market.

Acharya said proper land selection and effective drainage management were crucial for successful flower cultivation. He advised aspiring farmers to choose land where water does not accumulate and ensure proper drainage.

The entrepreneurs believe floriculture offers good business opportunities without requiring a substantial initial investment.

They are also planning to expand their agricultural activities into watermelon and strawberry farming.

Social media has emerged as their main marketing platform, enabling them to promote their products, connect with customers and receive advance orders.

Meanwhile, commercial flower farming is gradually gaining ground in Banke. According to Bindu Chharti Magar, a former member of the Floriculture Association, flower cultivation currently covers around 13 bighas of land in the district.

The initiative by the three young entrepreneurs highlights the potential of agriculture-based entrepreneurship and the growing commercial prospects of floriculture in the region.