Flower cultivators in Dharmapuri are concerned due to the low prices of flowers because of the northeast monsoon, which has resulted in a lack of demand and poor shelf life of the flowers. According to data from the Dharmapuri administration, flowers are cultivated on over 7,660 acres area and among them, Magnolia is cultivated at an area of 2,600 acres, while Chrysanthemum is cultivated on 1,478 acres area, roses on over 700 acres, and jasmine is cultivated on over 1,100 acres.
P. Sivakumar, a flower cultivator from Dharmapuri, said, “It is always distressing for flower cultivators during the monsoon season as few events are held during this season due to which there is a reduction in demand. But, this year, the demand is low than usual, and hence the losses are immense. Most of the flowers were damaged by the rains, and the others were wasted due to their low shelf lives. Prices are also very poor because there are no exports this season to Salem, Coimbatore, Hosur, or other markets.”
Y. Sankar, a private vendor, said, “Except jasmine, which is sold at Rs 300 per kg, the prices of all other flowers are in decline, with Magnolia and Chrysanthemums being sold at Rs 30-35 per kg and rose being sold at Rs 60-70 per kg. The prices of flowers were almost four times the current prices in September. Due to the rains, there has been surplus production but very few buyers. This situation would change once the rains reduce, and we expect the prices to stabilize by early December.”
Horticulture department officials said, “These are common market fluctuations, and the situation would change. Flower markets in Dharmapuri are mostly private; hence, we cannot comment on their affairs.”
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