KATHMANDU, Oct. 29 -- Around 200,000 garlands of makhamali flowers are to be exported for Tihar festival this year.

According to the Floriculture Association of Nepal (FAN), 150,000 garlands of makhamali flowers were exported last year. FAN 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 in these countries.

Floriculture has expanded in 52 districts including the Kathmandu Valley, Kaski, Chitwan, Makawanpur, Kavrepalanchowk, Gulmi, Palpa, Dhading and Morang. However, the country has not become se...