SOCIOECONOMIC CHARACTERS AND STATUS OF CUT FLOWER PRODUCERS IN KATHMANDU, NEPAL

In Kathmandu valley, the production of cut flowers has gained popularity in the past few years due it the high demand for cut flowers in the valley with the increasing population and increased used of cut flowers on various occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, marriage, etc. Kathmandu valley has a favorable environment and availability of skilled manpower for the success of cut flower production here. Recognizing these points, the study was carried out to study the status of cut flower producers in Kathmandu valley. For the research purpose, 40 farmers were interviewed out of 60 cut flower producers in the valley. In the study, it was found that most of the farms were male-dominated with the highest proportion of the household head having higher secondary level education. More than 50% of farmers had rented land. Lack of proper extension services during disease infestation did a lot of loss to the farmer which was the major problem in the cut flower enterprise. Similarly, unavailability of quality inputs, labor, transportation problem, dissatisfaction about the price received by the farmers, and low quantity of the product are major marketing problems. The products were sold directly to the different wholesalers in the valley.