Onam demand pushes up flower prices in TN market

Prices of flowers in the wholesale market in this district, considered one of the largest in southern states, have zoomed following steep demand from neighbouring Kerala on account of coming Onam festival.
Flowers from the district are sold not only in Tamil Nadu but also in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. Ten tonnes of flowers were received yesterday and today and of this 50 per cent had been sold to Kerala alone, market sources said.
Despite heavy arrivals, the increasing demand had pushed the price of flowers.
Prices of marigold and 'vaadamalli', which are in great demand in Kerala during Onam festival, shot up to Rs 120 and Rs 100 per kg respectively from Rs 20 last week, market Secretary Balakrishnan said.

Prices of other flowers too have been ruling high in the market this week. Jasmine was being sold at Rs 500 per kg against Rs.150 last week.
Prices of other flowers per kg: Mullai (Rs 300), kanakambaram (Rs 500), tube rose (sampanki) (Rs. 350), jaathi (Rs. 120), button rose (Rs.100) and rose varieties (Rs 60), according to Murthy, President of Anna Wholesale Flower Bazaar Traders' Association.
Flower prices are expected to increase by 30 to 40 per cent in the days to come. The price of jasmine may touch Rs. 1,000 per kg while Kanakambaram is expected to cross Rs. 1,100.

Traders say this trend would continue till Vinayagar Chathurthi next month.