Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has banned the sale and distribution of garlands imported from abroad during the Tihar festival.

Organizing a press conference here today, the Metropolitan Police Force (MPF) informed that the decision to ban the import of garlands from abroad to encourage Nepali farmers.

On the occasion, KMC Police Chief Senior Superintendent of Police Rajunath Pandey said that the KMC has established flower sales outlets at 32 different places from October 15 to 20 to promote the use of Nepal’s flower products.

“Our aim is to ban the sale of flowers imported from abroad and to increase the use of flowers produced in the country.

NV Centre in New Baneshwor, Big Mart at Shankhamul, iPlex Mall at New Baneshwor, Salesberry at Mid-Baneshwor, Phoenix Tower at Battisputali, Tinkunechaur, Sifal Chaur, AC Complex at Chabahil, Chabahil Ganeshsthan, KL Tower, in front of Chabahil Centre, Swoyambhu’s Dharma Chakra Park, Kalimati Banquet and Kalimati Dhaukhel.

Likewise, Bhatbhateni of Kalanki, Valley Cold Stores of Nayabazaar, Buddha Mall of Machhapokhari, New Bus Park Bridge, Ganesh Temple of Hadigaun, Koirala Mart of Samakhusi, Salesberry of Maharajgunj, Big Mart of Gongabu, Big Mart of Baluwatar, Star Mall of Putalisadak, Bhatbhateni of Anamnagar, Kathmandu Mall of Sundhara, Old Bus Park and New Plaza of Putalisadak, among other places will sell the goods.

On the occasion, President of Agriculture, Forest and Herbs Committee of Nepal Chamber of Commerce Krishna Man Shrestha said the promotion of Nepali flowers was being promoted in coordination with Kathmandu Metropolitan City for the past three years with the main objective of using the indigenous flowers in the country.

Nepal Floriculture Association president Rajesh Bhakta Shrestha said the Association would support the farmers and the state to implement the policies adopted by the metropolis to make the country prosperous.

The Association is going to organize the 18th Godavari Flower Competition from October 19 to November 18 to promote Nepali flowers. The Association has estimated that 40 lakh garlands will be consumed for the Tihar festival in the Kathmandu Valley. According to the association, flowers produced in Nepal can meet the market of Nepal.