Gulab Flower Cultivation: Tibba Sultanpur Emerges as Hub of Climate-resilient Cash Crop
Multan, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 30th Aug, 2026) Tibba Sultanpur, a town in Vehari district, is quietly emerging as one of Punjab’s important centers for "Gulab" (rose) cultivation, transforming the beautiful flower into a profitable cash crop and a source of daily employment for hundreds of poor women.
More than 600 acres of land in the area are currently dedicated to rose cultivation, while the local rose flowers market, with around three dozen shops, has become a significant trading center for South Punjab. This rapid expansion in rose cultivation over the past two decades stems from the crop’s attractive returns and its ability to provide flowers throughout the year.
The story of Tibba Sultanpur’s rose cultivation began approximately 27 years ago when progressive farmer Haji Muhammad Rafiq Khan Manais introduced the crop to the region. What started as a lone farming initiative has evolved into a thriving agricultural activity involving many local farmers.
Haji Muhammad Rafiq Ahmed, also the President of the Rose Market Association, shared with APP, "Punjab has four major rose markets located at Theeng Mor, Pattoki, Saggian, and Tibba Sultanpur. He emphasized that Tibba Sultanpur’s market has established a prominent position in South Punjab’s flower trade."
The peak demand for roses occurs during religious occasions and festivals such as Eid Milad-un-Nabi (12 Rabi-ul-Awwal), Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Azha, and the first ten days of Muharram. These periods lead to significant sales and enable growers to earn substantial returns.
According to Rafiq Khan, rose production reaches its zenith during spring when an acre can yield around five maunds (a traditional unit of weight) of flowers daily. During the season’s peak, nearly 2,000 maunds of roses are transported daily from Tibba Sultanpur to various parts of the country.
However, behind these millions of flowers lies another crucial narrative—the employment they generate for local women. Rose picking is primarily performed by women from nearby villages. They earn around Rs 25 for every kilogram of flowers picked, providing them with daily wages through this labor.
Similarly, Akhtar Khan, another grower, noted that rose cultivation can offer returns as high as 100 percent. He believes the risk of loss is minimal if farmers ensure timely water supply and manage harvesting according to market demand.
The crop has also fostered a small nursery business in the area. Sajjad Khan explained that around 4,500 rose cuttings are required for an acre, with local preparations ensuring ready-to-plant cuttings with soil around their roots, enabling faster production.
Regarding cultivation techniques, Rafiq Khan shared insights:
