Visakhapatnam: With the Dasara festival just around the corner, the prices of flowers and fruits have witnessed a significant hike. Notably, flowers such as marigold, chrysanthemum, tuberose, and roses have seen an increase of 25 to 30 percent in their prices on Thursday. Similarly, fruit prices have surged by 30 to 40 percent.
Notably, just a few days ago, local banana varieties were priced at a range of 50 to 60 rupees per dozen. However, on Thursday, a dozen bananas commanded prices of 80 to 90 rupees. In addition, fruits like apples, sweet lemons, pomegranates, grapes, and several others also witnessed an increase of around 30 to 40 percent.
As the Dasara festival, also known as Durga Puja, approaches (falling on October 23 and 24), there is a substantial demand for both fruits and flowers, particularly because many individuals observe Durga Puja for nine days. However, due to a limited supply in comparison to the escalating demand, prices have surged, according to P. Lakshmi, a vendor in Vizag city. The demand for coconuts and lemons has also experienced a notable uptick.
Flowers that typically sold for 200 to 250 rupees per kilogram are now being traded for 300 to 400 rupees per kilogram due to this heightened demand. Just a few days ago, one kilogram of quality apples was available for 350 rupees, but now vendors are selling them for 450 rupees per kilogram. The price of a dozen oranges has risen from 100 to 150 rupees, as reported by N. Ramesh Kumar, a government employee.
The current dry weather conditions in the state have created a disparity between the supply and demand of certain flowers and fruits. Vendors anticipate further price increases in November due to the Diwali festival and the Kartik month, considered auspicious in Hindu culture.
