Prices of jasmine in the Madurai region continue to soar. "The jasmine season is delayed this year because of mist, which tends to stunt the growth of the flowers, says Pookadai Ramachandran, president of the Mattuthavani Flower Merchant Association.
"Since the auspicious days have passed, the jasmine price has come down a little from its peak, but the supply has not improved." The jasmine grown in Madurai district and Nilakottai block of Dindigul district are geographically indicated as Madurai Malli. One of the unique features of this flower is that it retains its vibrant white for two days, making it one of the most popular flowers in the Madurai market.
The jasmine season in Madurai starts around February 15, when 300kg to 500kg of jasmine reaches the market. The season peaks between April 15 and October 15 when there is enough sunlight because the flower loves that, as well as a drier climate.
At the peak of the season, the Madurai flower market at Mattuthavani receives three tonnes a day. The season withdraws with the onset of monsoons, and the supply dwindles to hardly 50kg by the end of December. Flower merchants in the Madurai market say the prices are likely to hover between 1,000 and 1,500 in the next few days.
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