MADURAI, TAMIL NADU – The prices of flowers, particularly jasmine, have skyrocketed across the southern districts of Tamil Nadu as the festive season reaches its peak with Ayudha Pooja just around the corner. Local markets, especially in areas like Nilakottai, are witnessing unprecedented price hikes, with flower prices increasing exponentially within just a month.
Flower vendors and farmers have attributed this surge to the high demand during the festive season, combined with limited supply and the growing influence of exporters catering to international markets. The result has been a dramatic rise in prices, leaving consumers, vendors, and farmers adjusting to the new market dynamics.
Jasmine Prices Hit Record Highs
One of the most significant price hikes has been witnessed in jasmine, a flower that holds immense cultural and religious importance in Tamil Nadu, particularly during festivals. Ramachandran, a well-known flower vendor from Nilakottai, which houses the second-largest flower market in Tamil Nadu, shared insights into the soaring prices.
“Jasmine, which was priced at Rs 250 per kg just last month, is now being sold for Rs 1,000 per kg over the past three days,” Ramachandran, popularly known as ‘Poo Kadai Chandran,’ told DT Next. He further explained that this surge in prices is not limited to jasmine alone but extends to several other flower varieties that are in high demand due to the upcoming Ayudha Pooja festival.
Other Flower Varieties See Massive Price Increases
In addition to jasmine, several other flower varieties have seen significant price increases. One of the most striking examples is arali poo (nerium), which was sold at Rs 20 per kg last month. Its price has now skyrocketed to Rs 700 per kg, highlighting the overall impact of demand and supply dynamics in the region.
Among the most sought-after flower varieties during the festive season are malligai (jasmine), arali (nerium), mullai (Indian jasmine), pichi (spanish jasmine), sendu (chrysanthemum), kozhikondai (crested cock’s comb), kadhambam (kadamba flowers), sampangi (tuberose), marikozhundhu (basil), roja (rose), and vadamalli (globe amaranth). According to Ramachandran, all of these varieties are fetching exceptionally high prices, driven by festival demand.
The surge in demand has led to record-breaking sales. Sendu poo (chrysanthemum), for example, is now being sold at Rs 120 per kg due to overwhelming demand. Similarly, the price of sampangi (tuberose) has risen from Rs 60 to Rs 250 per kg, while marikozhundhu (basil) has jumped from Rs 30 to Rs 100 per kg.
Nilakottai: A Key Flower Market in Tamil Nadu
Nilakottai, located in Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district, plays a pivotal role in the region’s flower trade. The town is home to one of the largest flower markets in the state, attracting farmers and vendors from surrounding villages who bring their fresh produce to the market daily.
According to Ramachandran, the Nilakottai market receives an average of 20 tonnes of flowers every day from 23 villages situated within a 30-kilometer radius. The influx of flowers from these villages provides a steady supply to meet the surging festival demand, yet the prices continue to rise due to the sheer scale of consumer interest.
The Role of Exporters in Price Determination
Flower farmers, like M. Thangamani from Kalyanipatti village in Usilampatti, Madurai district, have experienced both benefits and challenges from the current market situation. Thangamani, who grows jasmine, reported a good yield of around 10 kilograms of jasmine recently, thanks to favorable rains. However, despite the increased yield, the dynamics of the flower market remain complex.
“Flower prices are much higher in the Nilakottai market compared to the Mattuthavani complex in Madurai. Many flower exporters, who cater to international demand, have the power to determine prices as per their convenience. This sometimes leaves local farmers with limited control over pricing,” Thangamani explained.
In Madurai, flower varieties are being sold at comparatively lower prices, with jasmine fetching a maximum of Rs 400 per kg, significantly lower than the Rs 1,000 per kg being charged in Nilakottai. Exporters who prioritize global markets often dictate pricing trends, which contributes to the stark difference in flower prices across different regions.
Factors Driving the Price Surge
Several factors have contributed to the sharp rise in flower prices across Tamil Nadu. The Ayudha Pooja festival, a key celebration that involves the worship of tools and equipment, is one of the major drivers of demand. Flowers are an essential part of the festival, used for decorating homes, temples, and workspaces.
The high demand during the festival season, combined with relatively limited supply due to fluctuating yields, has resulted in a steep price increase. Additionally, the growing influence of flower exporters, who cater to both domestic and international markets, plays a significant role in price determination.
Another contributing factor is the unpredictable weather conditions, which can affect flower production. Although recent rains have helped boost yields for some farmers, others have experienced reduced output, further tightening supply and pushing prices higher.
Impact on Farmers and Consumers
For flower farmers, the current market situation presents a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. While some are benefiting from the higher prices, others feel that the dominance of exporters in determining prices leaves them with little control over their earnings. Farmers who are able to meet the high demand during the festive season can earn significant profits, but those with smaller yields may struggle to capitalize on the price surge.
On the consumer side, the steep rise in flower prices has raised concerns about affordability, especially during the festival season when flowers are in high demand. Many households rely on flowers for religious rituals, decorations, and celebrations, and the current prices may make it difficult for some families to participate fully in the festive traditions.
The Road Ahead for Tamil Nadu’s Flower Market
As Ayudha Pooja approaches, it remains to be seen whether flower prices will stabilize or continue their upward trajectory. The influence of international markets, unpredictable weather conditions, and the ongoing demand for flowers during the festive season will likely shape the market in the coming days.
For now, vendors like Ramachandran and farmers like Thangamani continue to navigate the complexities of the flower market, balancing high demand with the challenges of price determination and supply. As Tamil Nadu’s flower market remains a vital part of the state’s cultural and economic landscape, the current price surge highlights the intricate dynamics at play during festival seasons.
The next few weeks will provide further insights into how the flower market adapts to the pressures of both domestic and international demand, as well as the ongoing economic challenges facing farmers and consumers alike.
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