Koyambedu traders suffer as flower, vegetable prices come down

According to traders, price of flowers like jasmine skyrocketed in the Koyambedu market and Anna Wholesale Flower Bazaar owing

to increased demand for Pongal festival. Since the demand for flower was high, traders needed to increase the cost of flowers.

“Usually sales will be brisk during ‘Thai’ (Tamil month). For instance, we sold Kanakambaram and Jasmine at Rs 500 to 700 per kilogram a few days ago and price of both flowers has reduced to Rs 200 and Rs 250. Similarly, Mullai per kg was earlier sold at Rs 400, while it is now sold at Rs 150,” said a trader at flower bazaar. Other flowers like Jaathi, Vaadamalli and Sampanki (Tube rose) are now sold between only Rs 60 and Rs 100, he added.

VR Soundararajan, president of Tamil Nadu Flower Vegetable and Fruit Traders of Koyambedu Market said, “It is usual that there will be a sharp fluctuation in the price of flowers in these days every year. Since people consider ‘Thai’ as auspicious month, they will purchase flowers at large quantity for various purposes. Now, price has come down, as there is a less demand, but inflow of flowers is considerably high.” He added that the price of such flowers will still decline in the coming days.

Similarly, price of vegetables has steadily declined in all the markets.

“Cost of vegetables like beans, potato, brinjal and drumstick has drastically come down due to good harvesting in the state. Even shallots, which was sold beyond Rs 100, are being sold at Rs 40,” said another trader.