Pakistan is renowned for its vibrant red roses, especially in dried form, but its global presence in the fresh cut flower market remains modest. In 2023, Pakistan exported 386,862 kilograms of fresh cut flowers and buds worth $693,460, according to the World Integrated Trade Solution.
In contrast, the Netherlands, the global leader, exported $4.65 billion worth of flowers the same year.
The catastrophic floods of 2022, impacting nearly 33 million people, left lasting damage to Pakistan’s agriculture, including its floral industry. Vast areas of farmland remain uncultivable due to waterlogging and deteriorated soil quality. Once symbols of beauty and resilience, Pakistan’s flower fields now face the challenge of survival amid climate change’s growing impact.
So, how exactly has all this affected Pakistan’s floral industry?
Sindh’s fertile lands, including Mithiyari, Lahooti, Masso, Tando Muhammad Khan, Hyderabad, and Wanki Wasi, were once known for their lush flower fields.
However, the 2022 floods submerged these thriving areas, leaving farmers struggling with soaring fertiliser costs and disrupted livelihoods. The impact rippled through the supply chain, affecting cultivators, vendors, and consumers as flower prices surged.
Geo Digital visited Karachi’s bustling Teen Hatti wholesale flower market, a key hub for floral trade in Pakistan.
While Pattoki in Punjab hosts the largest “phool mandi”, Karachi remains the beating heart of floral trade, receiving vibrant flowers from across the country to supply the city of lights.
A flower king fighting for its crown
President of the Sindh Flower Trade Union Syed Najam ul Hassam shared his concerns about the devastating impact of climate change on Pakistan’s floral industry.
“The catastrophic floods of 2022 wiped out half of our desi gulaab fields,” he lamented.
“Even three years later, we’re still struggling to recover. The fertile lands of interior Sindh, once brimming with vibrant roses, now lie barren. This loss has triggered a price hike, forcing many vendors to replace real flowers with artificial ones. Extreme weather conditions — like chilling breezes and relentless heatwaves — are disastrous for flower fields. Take the gulaab (rose), the ‘king of flowers’. It’s incredibly sensitive and thrives only in balanced weather. Sadly, the last five years of Pakistan’s worsening climate conditions have been nothing short of a nightmare for us,” he added.
Najam also highlighted the untapped potential of Pakistan’s floral industry. Despite being overshadowed globally, he emphasised the exceptional quality of Pakistani roses.
“Look at the Netherlands,” he remarked, “their economy thrives on the floral trade. They dominate as the largest exporter of cut flowers. Similarly, India has capitalised on this sector. But Pakistan’s gulaab? It’s unparalleled. The quality, the fragrance — it’s unmatched. Our roses can last up to eight hours if preserved with ice slabs, and their scent remains fresh for hours. Yet, despite this superiority, we’re limited to exporting dried flowers while others reap the rewards of global markets.”
Having spent three decades observing the rise and fall of Karachi’s flower wholesale market, Najam pointed out the need for government intervention.
“Our canal systems are among the best in the world, and the red roses we grow are a gift of nature. Yet, we lack the infrastructure and policies to match global standards. Countries like the Netherlands have greenhouses; why can’t we have similar programmes? With proper support, our exports could soar,” he said.
Despite the hardships, Najam’s love for flowers remains unwavering.
“We are simple people, we carry the beauty of nature in our hands, traveling from the heart of Pakistan to Karachi. We know how to nurture these blooms. All we need is the chance to let them flourish,” he said.
Temperature fluctuations are impacting flower production and prices
Under the shadow of the Teen Hatti flyover, Karachi’s flower market thrives with a bustling energy, its air infused with the heady fragrance of fresh blooms. Trucks loaded with vibrant flowers arrive continuously, creating a kaleidoscope of colours and scents.
As you step into the market, a shop on the right immediately catches your attention. Its striking display of dyed, vividly coloured flowers is a major attraction, drawing in customers with its dazzling array of hues.
Agha Jee, who has managed his shop here for over two decades, shares his deep concerns about the impact of climate change on the floral industry.
“Temperature fluctuations slow down production,” he explains. “The ideal range for flowers to thrive is between 32–35°C, but sudden drops or spikes in temperature burn not only the fields but also the delicate petals. Glide and statice are particularly vulnerable. Plants are like us — when the weather changes, they feel it too.”
His eyes linger on the beautiful Glides displayed in one corner of the shop, dyed in captivating shades of blue, maroon, and orange, offering a mesmerising sight for buyers passing by.
“Glides come naturally in white, but we dye them here for decorative purposes,” Agha Jee elaborates. “This flower is available throughout the year, unlike ‘gul-e-daudi’, the flower of winter, which blooms only in the cold season. Its demand skyrockets due to its versatility — you can craft beautiful jewellery pieces like kangans and tikkas, and it’s also widely used in decorations. Currently, gul-e-daudi is priced between Rs1,000 to Rs1,200 per kilogram, reflecting its high value in the market.”
A call for climate and policy intervention
While climate change casts a long shadow over Sindh’s floral scene, other factors are compounding the damage, creating an uphill battle for flower traders.
General Secretary of the Sindh Flower Trade Union Syed Khurram Qureshi shed light on the economic pressures that are squeezing their businesses.
“If we take a closer look at Sindh, most flower gardens are located around Hyderabad, the rising costs of fuel and diesel are directly inflating our product prices. With lands already devastated, we’re forced to rely on fertilisers that used to cost Rs8,000 per bag but now cost Rs12,000. Transportation expenses have also skyrocketed. Two years ago, we could rent a vehicle for Rs5,000; today, it’s Rs12,000 — more than double. And the cost of ‘desi gulaab’ has risen significantly too. Just two years ago, it was priced at 100 rupees per kilogram, but now it’s over 150 rupees per kilogram.”
Khurram emphasised that these rising costs, coupled with the lack of government intervention, are putting immense pressure on traders and cultivators.
“We can only appeal to the government to pay attention to these issues and implement strong policies to combat climate change and support our industry. If we don’t address the climate crisis and these economic hurdles, we risk losing nature’s gift in the coming years,” he said solemnly.
Imagine a world without flowers — a world stripped of their beauty, scent, and emotional connection. It’s a bleak future, underscoring the urgent need to protect and nurture nature’s most delicate gift before it’s too late.