Fragrance costs a fortune as flower supply dips

Traders said that continuous rains and subsequent formation of mist have affected the cultivation considerably. “We have not been receiving enough jasmine for the past two weeks due to change in weather. Currently, 50kg of jasmine has come from Dindigul and there might be a further shortage of supply in the next few days. We are receiving only one tonne of jasmine from Nilakottai,” S Mookaiah, Secretary, Koyambedu Flower MerchantsAssociation.

“The demand has increased since the beginning of Sabarimala season at times, customers have to leave the market without buying flowers. We would receive at least 50 tonnes of jasmine per day starting from March,” he added.

Vendors who produce from flower bazaar said that the quality is bad now and the wholesale price has doubled. “There are a few vendors who store the flowers in cold storage. By the time I reach the place and string them, most of it wither,” said Sheela M, a vendor atflower bazaar.

Currently, jasmine is being sold for Rs 1,200 per kg, jasmine sambac at Rs 750 to Rs 900 per kg, pink jasmine at Rs 360 to Rs 450 per kg, marigold for Rs 200 to Rs 280 per kg, damask rose at Rs 100 at Rs 120 and rose for Rs 200 to Rs 240.