Dull flower sales lead to decrease in prices at Koyembedu market

CHENNAI: With no weddings or temple festivals ahead, flower sales in Chennai have been dull, which led to a decrease in prices by up to 30 per cent. Sources said that after rains took a break in the neighbouring states, the supply has normalised at the Koyambedu wholesale market. Both the rates and sales are likely to go up during the Navaratri festival.

"Though there is a steady supply of flowers at the market, only 30-40 per cent of customers visit the market to purchase flowers daily, and to avoid wastage, we sell at the lowest price. As the Tamil auspicious month, Puratasi began on Sunday, we expect there will be a brisk sale on Saturdays because only temples will need flowers," said S Mookandi, Secretary of Koyambedu Flower Merchants Association, Koyambedu wholesale market.

Likewise, the retail shops experienced a dull sale during the weekends, as there was no demand. And, they are forced to dump the flowers at the end of the day. The vendors mentioned that only from next month the sale is likely to pick up.

T Sivakumar, a vendor at a flower bazaar, in George Town, said, "Despite spending more money on transportation, we sell the flowers for a lower price to prevent wastage. But nowadays, as people purchase flowers only on special occasions, the sales remain dull, especially in the post-pandemic. We expect good business for Ayudha pooja and Navaratri festivals."

Currently, Jasmine is sold for Rs 200 - Rs 240 per kg, Jasminium sambac Rs 180 per kg, rose Rs 40 - Rs 50 per kg, marigold Rs 80 per kg, and tube rose Rs 40 - 45 per kg. Due to dull sales, both wholesale and retail prices are the same at city flower markets.