The production of flowers has taken a beating due to continuous rains for the past few days.
In Dindigul district, a variety of flowers, including the fragrant jasmine, popularly known as ‘Madurai Malli’ are grown in pockets around Nilakottai, Vellode, Sirunayakkanpatti, Vakkampatti etc.
However, since for the past few days, the arrival of flowers have come down considerably in the Dindigul flower market, say traders. The rains have caused tender buds and flowers to droop.
“About two third of the jasmine buds in my field have fallen off. The harvest has been very poor. But due to high demand, the prices have gone up and we are happy about getting a better price,” said B. Nakeeran, a farmer from Nilakottai.
“The increased frequency of festival days and auspicious days has resulted in an increased demand for flowers. Hence, the prices have sky-rocketed,” said P. Pandian, a trader at the Dindigul flower market.
Since the past few days, price of jasmine flowers has been hovering around ₹1,200 to ₹1,500 per kg. Similarly, Kanakambaram was being sold at ₹700, Aralipoo at ₹150 and Sampangi and Chendmalli were being sold at ₹100 per kg.
