BENGALURU: Ahead of the Ugadi festival season, there has been a marked increase in the prices of flowers in the city. The major factors are said to be the searing summer heat and shortage of water which has led to reduced yield.
The election season has also pushed up demand for colourful flowers at the market as activists and leaders purchase garlands and bouquets during Lok Sabha election campaigns. With the increasing temperature and borewells drying up, the yield has also come down.
On the other hand, the Hindu New Year festival of ‘Ugadi’ is just two days away. Also, special occasions such as marriages and housewarmings taking place during this season.
The prices of chrysanthemum and roses has seen a market increased. Flower trader Elumalai said, the supply of flowers in the markets come down due to the temperature, and flowers have become more expensive. “Flowers are now being sold at Rs 300 to Rs 400 per kg. If there is adequate supply, the prices will reduce automatically. Despite the Lok Sabha election, the demand for flowers from political parties and workers is less now than it was during the Legislative Assembly elections last year. Customers are also purchasing lesser quantities”.
As it is most in demand during the festival, the price of lotus has also gone up. Chrysanthemum (sevantige ) and roses are priced at Rs 400 per kg while Jasmine is priced between Rs 600 and Rs 900 per kg, Kanakambara Rs 600 and Rs 800 per kg and Sugandharaja (Polianthes) is now selling at at Rs 160 per kg.