Pune: Demand for Flowers Increases Ahead of Lakshmi Puja; 70% of Flowers Reported to Be of Poor Quality Due to Retreating Monsoon

Market Yard, 31st October 2024: With Diwali and Lakshmi Puja approaching, sales of various types of flowers, including marigolds, have started to increase in the market. However, it is reported that 70% of the flowers sold are of poor quality. On the bright side, the prices of these flowers are better than last year due to strong demand.

Farmers typically reserve flowers each year for Lakshmi Puja, but this year, the retreating monsoon has adversely affected their quality. As a result, only 30% of the flowers in the market are of good quality, with prices reaching up to ₹100 on Wednesday afternoon (30th October).
Despite the quality issues, strong demand from customers and garland sellers has led to a quick turnover of most flowers in the market. The Market Yard has received flowers from various parts of Pune, as well as Satara, Dharashiv, Hingoli, Mohol, and Solapur districts. The demand for marigold flowers, capri, chrysanthemums (shevanti), asters, and tuberoses (gulchadi) is increasing among customers.

Every year, chrysanthemums (raja shevanti) see a significant influx in the market, but this year, their production has decreased. Last year, heavy rain before Lakshmi Puja caused flowers to become wet and damaged, leading to decreased demand and lower prices. Last year, marigold flowers fetched ₹50-₹60 in the wholesale market. In contrast, the rates for flowers this year have been more favorable.

Rate of Flowers Per Kg in Wholesale Market:
Marigold: ₹70 to ₹80
Capri: ₹80 to ₹100
Chrysanthemum (Shevanti): ₹70 to ₹180
Aster: ₹200 to ₹300
Tuberose (Gulchadi): ₹200 to ₹300
Reportedly, over the last four to five days, the amount of fog has increased significantly. The rain has already damaged many flowers, and the fog is causing further damage, which is another factor contributing to the decline in prices.