Developing a Interior Foliage Industry in Bangladesh—A Winrock International/USAID Farmer-to-Farmer Project

In recent years, commercial production of cut flowers and ornamental plants in Bangladesh has been increasing gradually and so has the demand for foliage plants and seeds of seasonal flowers. The floriculture industry has increased as a commercial enterprise among farmers and entrepreneurs. A large number of plant shops have opened in Dhaka and in other big cities as well. Bangladesh also has a huge potential to develop an export market in cut flowers, potted plants, cut foliage, peat moss, coco-compost, etc., if quality is maintained per international standards. The floriculture industry faces problems due to the lack of access to modern technical and management practices required for upgrading production, postharvest handling, quality control, packaging and marketing. The specific client for this Winrock International farmer-to-farmer project, BRAC Horticulture Enterprise (BRAC), produces and sells different cut flowers and ornamental plants in the local urban market. However, they lack improved and advanced technology in the following aspects: 1) Production and management techniques (both in field and greenhouse conditions), post-harvest handling, packaging, quality control, storage and marketing of cut flowers and ornamental plants; 2) knowledge in seed selection, soil preparation, irrigation, pest management, fertilization, nutrition, plant propagation, proper lighting (photoperiodism), and other relevant issues for ornamental plants; and 3) selection of improved varieties of cut flowers and ornamental plants that are commercially viable for domestic and international markets. BRAC is a development organization dedicated to the alleviation of poverty by empowering the poor to realize their potential and bring about positive change in their own lives. It started out in Bangladesh in 1972, and over the course of evolution, they have established themselves as a pioneer in recognizing and tackling the many different realities of poverty. Presently they have 18 enterprises under different programs. BRAC horticulture nursery started its activities in 1998. For sustainable and consistent development of the enterprise, BRAC has now focused on the urban market. The objective is to take green to every household in Dhaka.  So far, BRAC horticulture enterprise has concentrated on ornamental and decorative plant production and sales along with the associated activities especially for urban market. In this regard, BRAC has established a sale store for ornamental and decorative plants in Gulshan, Dhaka City and it has also started selling through 11 superstores. BRAC is a social enterprise. The net surplus generated from the enterprise will be ploughed back to other rural development activities of BRAC.