Kathmandu, Feb 12 (IANS): Nepal has imported 100,000 red roses - considered a symbol of love - from India for celebrating Valentine's Day Feb 14, according to the Floriculture Association Nepal.

The roses were imported as the local market could not meet the demand.

"This year, we are importing roses worth Rs.4 million from India for Valentine's Day," said Loknath Gaire, chairman of the floriculture association.

Social networking websites are abuzz with Valentine's Day messages, while gift shops in Kathmandu and other cities have offered attractive packages targeting the youth.

Last year, according to the association, the Nepali market consumed 150,000 roses on the occasion of Valentine's Day. People in Kathmandu bought 95 percent of the total.

However, due to rise in prices of flowers in India, Nepali importers are buying less this year.

"We are paying Rs.10 more for each rose than last year," said Gaire.

Last year, a rose cost around Rs.70.

Though there is good demand for flowers in Nepal, due to various reasons, production has not been able to meet the demand.

Some places produce red roses, but the quality is not at par with the imported ones.