Onam: Pricey flowers may burn a hole in Keralites' pockets

BENGALURU: Even as Keralites all over the world are gearing up to celebrate Onam, lack of rains in many parts of the country might result in flowers prices going through the roof. Flowers are integral party of Onam and extensively used for various ceremonies during the festival.
Gundalpettu in Karnataka is a major supplier of flowers during Onam. However, lack of rains in the region has affected supply of flowers this season.Due to lack of water, acres of fields got dried and farmers in the region were badly affected and forced to use borewell water for agriculture.

The story is no different in Ootty which has resulted in flower rates skyrocketing. Flowers such as Chendumalli, jamanthi and Vaadamalli supplied from Nagarhola in Karnataka used to be Rs. 60-100 range in wholesale market, according to flower dealer Venkidesh. However, nowadays the flowers are very pricy. Moreover, in Karnataka, Hindu devotees are celebrating Gauri Habba and Ganesh Chathurthi this week which has resulted in increased demand.
Though the increase in prices are likely to burn a hole in people’s pocket, the price increase is likely to help the farmers to get good yield for their produce.
It’s said that dealers who are buying Jasmin buds from fields for Rs. 300-400, but selling the same for 600 per kg at KR Market in Bengaluru while Jamanthi Flowers (Various Colours) are being sold for 100-340 per kg and the same used to be sold for 60-120 during off season.

Vaadamalli, which is widely used for Athappookkalam, is sold for Rs.100 rupees, but the price of the flower is likely to go up as Onam approaches.
Kanakaambaram is most expensive flower in this market and sold for Rs.1200 per kg. The price of the same will go up as it crosses borders during the festive season.
Central Kerala usually gets its flowers from Tamil Nadu. However, this year, flowers are imported from Bengaluru. Colleges and schools in Kerala also celebrate Onam which will result in increasing demands and shoot up the price further.
Having said that, Keralites are ready to splurge in order to make their Onam special which will directly help flower farmers to get good returns for their produce.
Read this story in Malayalam