Nepal to Host Third National Horticulture Expo in Kathmandu to Boost Green Economy

Kathmandu. The Nursery Entrepreneurs Association, Nepal, is set to organize the third edition of the 'National Horticulture Expo 2082' from Chaitra 19 to 23 at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu. The association announced at a press conference in Kathmandu on Tuesday that the fair is being organized to revitalize the sluggish green economy due to the economic recession and to expand investment and employment opportunities in the agricultural sector.

According to Rabin Kumar Gautam, the Expo Coordinator and Senior Vice President of the association, over 700 species of saplings from the flower, fruit, agro-forestry, and herbal nursery sectors across the country will be available for sale and viewing at the exhibition. In addition to saplings, fertilizers, seeds, pots, agricultural tools, and modern technological materials will also be available at the fair.

The Expo will feature a total of 65 stalls, including 56 commercial stalls. The five-day fair is expected to attract around 51,000 visitors and generate over NPR 15 million in economic transactions.

During the fair, there will be a program to honor the best nursery entrepreneurs with shields, cash, and certificates through a competition among them. Furthermore, the association stated that two entrepreneurs will be awarded the 'Long-Term Active Nursery Entrepreneur Award' and the 'Special Production-Oriented Nursery Entrepreneur of the Year Award.' This is expected to boost enthusiasm among entrepreneurs and increase competition in quality production.

Nepal's nursery sector currently records an annual turnover of NPR 6.43 billion. According to the association, entrepreneurs have invested NPR 11.83 billion in the 3,901 various types of nurseries operating across the country.

Statistics were released showing that this sector has directly created employment for over 120,000 people. Organizers claim that such exhibitions play a crucial role in professionalizing the nursery business and introducing new technologies.