Flower prices surge in Jalpaiguri amid supply crisis in Durga Puja

Jalpaiguri: Durga Puja is approaching, and this festival is celebrated with gaiety in West Bengal. Unfortunately, the price of flowers is soaring in the market; currently, Jalpaiguri is feeling the heat. Flowers play a key role for Durga Puja rituals, and South Bengal was the main supplier in West Bengal. However, floods have ruined the flower crops this year, so traders are unable to meet the demand.

Several florists are trying to bring flowers from other cities to meet the demand of the people during the puja. Howrah, Bolpur, and South Medinipur were the main flower suppliers in the state. This year’s floods have changed the calculation of traders, and florists are unable to meet the huge demand.
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Flower prices are skyrocketing. Sujit Karmakar, a flower trader in Jalpaiguri, said, “South Bengal was the chief supplier of flowers. But this year, flooding has created a crisis-like situation. I’ve received an order for 1,500 lotus flowers for the puja, but I’m unsure if I’ll be able to meet the demand.”

In addition to the lotus, prices of other flowers are also soaring. The price of tuberose sticks has risen from Rs 100 to Rs 200 per dozen, marigold garlands have increased from Rs 20 to Rs 40, and people are now paying Rs 40 per gerbera flower.

Another trader, Bubai Sarkar, said, “I’ve taken an order for 3,000 lotus flowers but am uncertain if I can fulfill it on time. The lotus supply is meager due to the floods. We are currently trying to bring flowers from Bengaluru, but I’m not sure if they will arrive on time.”