Pakistan’s Floral Industry Faces Mounting Challenges Amidst Climate Change and Economic Pressures

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By Shabbir Hussain

ISLAMABAD, Jan 11 (Alliance News): Pakistan’s once-thriving floral industry, especially renowned for its vibrant red roses, is grappling with a series of devastating setbacks, including climate change and economic pressures.

In 2023, Pakistan exported 386,862 kilograms of fresh cut flowers worth $693,460, but its share in the global market remains modest compared to leading exporters like the Netherlands, which shipped $4.65 billion worth of flowers in the same year.

The catastrophic 2022 floods severely affected Pakistan’s agricultural sector, including its floral industry, causing widespread devastation.

Large swaths of land, particularly in Sindh, where flowers like the ‘gulaab’ (rose) once flourished, are now uncultivable due to waterlogging and poor soil quality.

Local farmers are still struggling to recover, with soaring fertiliser and transport costs making their operations unsustainable.

Syed Najam ul Hassam, President of the Sindh Flower Trade Union, Talking to Alliance News, said flowers business facing a real threat and highlighted the severe impact of climate change, citing extreme weather fluctuations that have wreaked havoc on the flower industry.

“The fertile lands of Sindh, once known for vibrant roses, are now barren, and this loss has led to a surge in flower prices, forcing many vendors to turn to artificial blooms,” he said.

While the floral industry’s potential remains untapped, Pakistan’s beautiful and fragrant roses are often underappreciated globally.

Najam pointed out that with proper government support and infrastructure, including greenhouse programs similar to those in the Netherlands, Pakistan could significantly boost its floral exports and compete globally.

Amid these challenges, Karachi’s Wholesale Flower Market in Teen Hatti continues to be a central hub for the floral trade, drawing flowers from across the country.

However, market traders like Agha Jee, a veteran flower vendor, are seeing the effects of temperature fluctuations on production.

The ideal temperature for flowers to thrive is between 32–35°C, but rapid changes in temperature burn the delicate blooms, leading to lower yields.

Syed Khurram Qureshi, General Secretary of the Sindh Flower Trade Union, underscored the financial strain flower traders are facing. With rising fuel costs and raw material prices, including fertilisers and transportation, flower prices have skyrocketed.

“The cost of ‘desi gulaab’ has more than doubled in the last two years. Without government intervention, we fear that we might lose Pakistan’s floral heritage,” he warned.

Despite these daunting obstacles, flower traders continue to nurture Pakistan’s blooms, driven by a deep love for nature’s delicate creations.

However, the industry’s survival depends on urgent climate and policy interventions. Protecting this cultural and economic asset is critical for ensuring Pakistan’s flowers continue to bloom for future generations.