Tetulia’s Tulip: Boosting tourism, regional economy

Tetulia, a picturesque region in Panchagarh, has once again become a hub of vibrant tulip blooms, marking the fourth consecutive year of successful tulip cultivation.

This cultivation of the flower is not only attracting tourists but has also significantly contributed to the socio-economic development of the area, said locals.

Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO), in collaboration with local women entrepreneurs, has been working to promote tulip farming as a means of women's empowerment.

This year, 13 women entrepreneurs cultivated tulips on one acre of land in Dorjipara village, Tetulia Union.

While tulips are traditionally associated with the Netherlands and Kashmir, Tetulia's unique cold climate has proven ideal for their cultivation.

Rajkumar, Pink Ardour, Parade, Oxford, Orange Van Borlsch, Ferdex, Appeldoorn, Blushing Elite, and Mystic Van Eijk—have been successfully grown, adding to the garden's allure.

The tulip garden was officially opened to visitors by ESDO's Executive Director Dr Muhammad Shahid Uz Zaman, and its Director (Administration) Dr. Selima Akhter, at a ceremony recently.

The garden with multi-coloured Tulip has become a mesmerizing attraction for tourists and locals alike.

The tulips planted on 10 January began blooming within 20-25 days and will continue to enchant visitors for two months.

The garden has become a hotspot for eco-tourism, drawing thousands of tourists, said locals.

Families, students, and photography enthusiasts are flocking to the site, capturing the beauty of the tulips.

Social media platforms are abuzz with stunning images and videos of the garden, further amplifying its popularity.

Visitors also have the opportunity to purchase tulips and buds at Tk 150 each, adding to the garden's economic impact.

Entry fees for the garden are set at Tk20 for locals and Tk50 for tourists from other districts.

Entrepreneurs like Sumi Akter and Murshida Khatun said they are selling 50 to 100 tulip flowers daily, with previous seasons yielding Tk 40,000 to Tk 50,000 per entrepreneur.

This income has provided financial stability and independence to many women in the community, they said.

Visitors have expressed their delight at the garden's beauty.

Asifuzzaman Asif, a student, said, "I had only seen tulips in the Netherlands and Kashmir through YouTube. Seeing them in Tetulia is truly amazing."

A couple from Bogura expressed their joy at finally witnessing the tulips after missing them last year.

Tamanna Akhter, a school teacher from Thakurgaon, said, "This is my first time seeing tulips, and I am overwhelmed by their beauty."

ESDO's Assistant Value Chain Facilitator, Md Asadur Rahman, said the organization provides tulip bulbs and necessary agricultural technology, while the cultivation is managed by women entrepreneurs.

Given that tulips are winter flowers, a specialised shade structure is used to regulate temperature and sunlight for optimal growth.

Kalyan Mohanto, ESDO Project Manager, said the tulip cultivation initiative began in 2022 as a pilot project with eight women entrepreneurs growing 40,000 tulips on 40 decimals of land.

Over the past three years, the project has expanded significantly, with this year marking the largest-scale production yet.

However, challenges remain, particularly in preserving tulip bulbs. Mohanto emphasized that government support, such as the removal of quarantine fees and VAT on imported bulbs, could further boost tulip cultivation and its expansion.

Tetulia Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Md Fazle Rabbi, acknowledged the tulip garden's positive impact on local tourism, employment, and the socio-economic landscape.

Dr Muhammad Shahid Uz Zaman, ESDO's Executive said. 

"Despite challenges, tulip cultivation in Bangladesh has seen significant success. In the future, we plan to cultivate more flower varieties to strengthen the tourism sector," he said.

Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Md Sabet Ali noted that Tetulia's tulip garden, along with its tea estates and views of Mount Kanchenjunga, is drawing increasing numbers of tourists.

Various initiatives are underway to promote tourism including the construction of Bangladesh's highest watchtower and an eco-park near the Karatoa River, he said.

Plans for a tourist motel and a dedicated tour guide app are also in progress, he added.

Entrepreneurs and stakeholders believe that removing import duties on tulip bulbs could significantly expand cultivation, further enriching Tetulia's economy and tourism industry.