Rains hit Chikkamagaluru flower traders

Chikkamagaluru: Downpour hit the floriculture sector in Chikkamagaluru district badly; besides this, the end of the Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami festivals has further deteriorated the flower business in the district. The demand for flowers dropped due to supply from Bengaluru, affecting both vendors and growers.

In spite of the current slump, farmers are hoping that the situation will improve during the upcoming Diwali festival. During the Dasara celebrations, flower prices reached the pinnacle, with jasmine garlands selling for as much as Rs 400 each, which usually costs around Rs 50. But after the festival, demand has gone down, and heavy rain has made the situation worse.

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Local traders have reduced the amount of chrysanthemums they buy from Bengaluru, with some bringing only two to three bags daily instead of the usual 30-40 kg bags. Due to the heavy rains around Bengaluru, it has become difficult to transport flowers to Chikkamagaluru because they spoil easily, explained Shivanna, a flower trader.

As a solution, chrysanthemums are now being brought in from Tumakuru and Kadur, selling for Rs 60-80 per bunch. The prices of jasmine and Mysore jasmine remain high, between Rs 80 and 100 per bunch. The Kanakambara flower is missing from the market because of low demand and problems caused by the rain.

However, flower trader Ravi remains hopeful that once the month of Kartika starts, flower demand will increase again due to festivals, especially Diwali. Marigolds, which were selling for up to Rs 100 per kg during Vijayadashami, are now down to Rs 20 per kg.