Pune: Flower prices shoot up as heavy rain damages crop

Pune: Heavy rain in the state over the past couple of weeks has affected the business of flower vendors this monsoon, producing an important rise in prices just as Ganesh Festival begins.

Depending on the grade in the market, per kilogram of marigold price is in the range of Rs 200 to Rs 300. Shewanti (chrysanthemum) is priced in the range between Rs 150-300 per kg and Rajnigandha is priced prices at Rs 230-600 per kg.

 The Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Marketyard was closed due to the COVID-19 lockdown. After three months, the flower market recommenced. The flowers were not in special demand as the temples were closed. Assuming that there would be a demand for marigold during Ganeshotsav, the farmers had cut down the marigold. However, it started raining in Satara, Solapur and Beed areas including Pune district from last week.

“After the start of Ganeshotsav, the demand for marigold of good quality marigold fetched a price of Rs 200 to Rs 300,” said Sagar Bhosale, a trader in the flower market.

 “On Friday 27,000 kg of marigold arrived in the flower market. Twelve and a half thousand kg of white shewanti arrived too while on Saturday, the arrival of marigold declined.” said Pradip Kale, Head of the Flower Market Division of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee.

Price of flowers (per kg)

• Marigold: Rs 200 to 300
• Shevanti: Rs 150 to 300
• Rose: Rs 230 to 600