Sultanpur's rose economy blooms

Tibba Sultanpur, a town in Vehari district, is emerging as one of Punjab's key centres for rose cultivation, transforming the fragrant flower into a profitable cash crop and a source of employment for hundreds of women.

More than 600 acres of land in the area are currently devoted to rose cultivation. The local rose market, comprising around three dozen shops, has also developed into an important trading hub for South Punjab.

Rose cultivation has expanded rapidly over the past two decades due to strong market demand, attractive returns and the ability to produce flowers throughout the year.

The story of Tibba Sultanpur's rose industry began around 27 years ago, when a farmer, Haji Rafiq Khan Manais introduced its cultivation to the area. What started as an individual initiative has gradually developed into a major agricultural activity involving numerous local farmers.

Haji Muhammad Rafiq, president of the Rose Market Association, said Punjab had four major rose markets at Theeng Mor, Pattoki, Saggian and Tibba Sultanpur, with the latter holding an important position in South Punjab's flower trade.

Demand for roses rises sharply on religious occasions and festivals, particularly the Eids and Muharram, allowing growers to earn higher returns.

According to Rafiq, rose production peaks during spring, when an acre can yield around five maunds of flowers a day. At the height of the season, nearly 2,000 maunds of roses are transported daily from Tibba Sultanpur to different parts of the country.

The rose cultivation has also become an important source of employment for women from nearby villages. They largely carry out flower picking and earn around Rs25 per kilogramme, providing hundreds of them a source of daily income.