Dharwad: Floriculturists in Dharwad district find themselves in dire straits as the prices of flowers experience a significant decline. Despite a surplus of flowers flooding the market, demand is low, leaving standing crops to wither and farmers in distress.
Chrysanthemum (sevantige) is currently fetching Rs 15-20 per kg, marigold is priced at Rs 10 per kg, and a bundle of roses sells for Rs 60. The oversupply of flowers has led to a crash in prices, causing financial strain on farmers.
Despite farmers quoting Rs 200 for 25 kg of chrysanthemum and Rs 100 for 25 kg of marigold, flower merchants are reluctant to make purchases at these rates. This price downturn comes despite the farmers experiencing good yields, and the crash is exacerbated by the high influx of flowers into the market.
Floriculture is prevalent in areas such as Kurubagatti, Govanakoppa, Chandanamatti, Jeerigawad, and Halligeri in Dharwad taluk. Despite the challenges posed by monsoon failures, farmers with irrigation facilities have seen high yields, further contributing to the oversupply.
During the recent Deepavali festival, sevantige was sold at Rs 60-80 per kg, marigold at Rs 50-60 per kg, and a rose bundle for Rs 100. Farmers from the affected regions, including Kurubagatti, Govanakoppa, Chandanamatti, Jeerigawad, and Halligeri, sell their produce in markets in Hubballi and Dharwad.
Expressing their concerns, farmers like Dhulappa Dollin and Bhimanna Dindalkopp are grappling with the economic challenges resulting from the flower price crash. Dhulappa Dollin, who invested Rs 2 lakh in cultivating flowers on four acres of land, is now faced with the difficulty of recovering the expenses incurred on transportation and labor due to low prices.
Farmers are urging the government to intervene and provide support, including proper marketing facilities and compensation for the financial losses incurred. The current scenario has put the livelihoods of floriculturists at risk, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions to stabilize the flower market.
