Now, prices of flowers shoot up

BENGALURU: Following the rise in prices of vegetable, pulses, and cereals, now it is the turn of flowers due to the delay in the monsoon and lack of yield. The prices of flowers now range between Rs 400 to Rs 500 for a full length of the arm (maaru), which is about five feet long.

The prices of vegetables have already gone up due to late monsoon. Now, there is a significant decrease in the flower yield and thus, the prices of flowers too have increased. Some varieties  of flowers are not even available in the market.

Normally, prices of flowers are supposed to be lower during Ashada month as demand is also lower. Flowers used to be available at a reasonable prices, but this time, due to the lack of rain, the price of flowers has doubled.

Kalpana, who sells slower at her shop, said, “Normally the prices of flowers is low during Ashadha, but this time it has been hiked. Sevantige costs Rs 300-Rs 350 at KR Market. If we sell at a little higher, but reasonable price, customers question us. The flowers yield is less this time due to uncertain rainfall”.

The prices of flowers in the markets are jasmine Rs 400 for a full arm’s length and Rs 1,200 per kg, Kanakambara (crossandra) costs  Rs 400 for a full arm’s length and Rs 2,000 per kg. Also, Sevantige costs Rs 200 for a full arm’s length and Rs 400 per kg, Marigold Rs 100 for a full arm’s length and Rs 200 per kg, tuberose Rs 200 per kg and jasmine garland costs Rs 800 for two and Rs 1,000 for kg.

Brinda, who had come to Malleswaram market to buy flowers, said, “The prices of flowers have shots up. We buy flowers for offering to God or for decoration. But the uncertain monsoon has affected yield and it would help us if the price of flowers comes down”.

While there is a significant decrease in the flower yield due to the lack of rain, the growth of flower plants has been stunted due to the heat.