Flower, fruit prices soar ahead of ayudha puja and dashami

Bengaluru: With the Dasara festivities heading for a climax with Ayudha puja and Vijayadashami, flower and fruit prices in Bengaluru have surged dramatically. Jasmine is now selling at Rs 1,200 per kg and Kanakambara (Crossandra) Rs 1,500 per kg, up from Rs 400 per kg and Rs 350 per kg, respectively, a month back.
Traders are surprised at the quantum of the price rise, noting that this year's prices are significantly higher than in previous years.They attributed the sharp price rise to huge demand.
Anand S, a flower trader from Gandhibazaar, said, "This year, the prices have skyrocketed. Normally, the prices only increase by Rs 300, but this time they've tripled."
Similarly, Syed Noorudin, a flower merchant at KR Market, shared that the demand for crossandra has increased, with customers eager to use it for puja and decorations. "The demand for jasmine too is good and its high price benefits us. I am selling nearly 20kg of jasmine every day," Noorudin said.
The rise in prices is not limited to flowers; fruits have also become more expensive. Shabir Khan, a fruit trader in KR Market, noted that apples now cost from Rs 120-200 per kg, while pomegranates have reached Rs 250 per kg. They were costing Rs 80/kg and Rs 120/kg only a few weeks back.
"Demand for bananas typically rises during the festival and their prices have also increased. Elachi bananas are costing Rs 120 per kg, up from Rs 55-70 per kg a few weeks back. The seasonal custard apples cost Rs 140-180 per kg up from Rs 80-90 earlier," Khan said.
Manjunath Patil, a trader from Malleswaram market, highlighted that traditionally popular fruits like chikoo, grapes, and pineapples are also seeing increased demand this festival season. "In my 15 years of selling fruits, I can say I am benefiting from the high prices and strong demand. It's a bonus for us traders," Patil said.
Vegetable prices are also climbing, with tomatoes, especially costing around Rs 80 per kilogram, up from Rs 40 per kg
Ramesh Lakkegowda from Kalasipalyam market attributed the increase to heavy rainfall, disrupting tomato production and supply. Another trader, Shivappa from Yeshwantpur Market, echoed Lakkegowda's concerns, saying that demand from other states like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Gujarat is impacting local supply.
Box
Flowers become luxury
Flowers
Prices per kg (in Rs)
Kanakambara
1,500
Jasmine
1,000
Roses
500
Chrysanthemum
450
Tuberose
300
Dried flowers
700
Marigold
150
Cockscomb
800
Round Jasmine
800
Lotus buds
70
source: KR Market flower traders