The current wedding season has triggered a surge in demand for flowers, particularly roses and marigolds, resulting in a notable price hike at flower markets. This increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including a shift in crop preference among farmers, who have opted for more lucrative wheat cultivation, and adverse weather conditions in the trans-Yamuna belt, which have impacted flower production.
"Increased costs of pesticides, labor, and maintenance, coupled with unpredictable weather conditions, have compelled farmers to hike flower prices," said agro expert Manoj Kumar. "The surge in demand due to the ongoing marriage season, combined with temple and individual orders, has left buyers shell-shocked, with prices of roses and flower baskets doubling this season."
Srivastava said: "There are many factors responsible for the price rise of roses and other flowers. Farmers are paying 18% GST on pesticides, along with high labour costs, which have forced flower growers to sell their crops at higher prices." He admitted that the demand and supply ratio has been affected due to various reasons, and as a result, the prices of flowers, particularly roses, have gone up in the district.
Adverse weather conditions, synchronized rose flowering, and a shift by some farmers to wheat cultivation in the trans-Yamuna belt have severely impacted flower production, leading to a sharp spike in prices of roses and marigolds.
Read more at Times of India
