India: Floriculture loses sheen due to low prices
“Traders are giving Rs. 50 (0.73 USD) per kg for marigold during peak demand days in connection with important festivals and marriage season. Now, we get Rs. 10-15 (0.15-0.22 USD) per kilogram that is not even sufficient for our expenditure,” said Talapala Srinivasulu from Gummalladibba in Kovur mandal. He is cultivating marigold garden on 3 acres close to his village.
He added that they were incurring expenditure of Rs. 40,000-Rs. 50,000 (582-728 USD) per acre for fertilizer, pesticides and other labour related expenses. He said it would be bit profitable for the farmers if the price is Rs. 30-40 (0.44-0.58 USD) per kg. Most of the crop grown in the city surroundings are close to market area located in Atmakur bus complex. The marigold garden starts giving crop after 2 to 2.5 months and the flowers can be plucked for the next 2.5 to 3 months continuously.
Read more at The Hans India