Udupi: Prices of Shankarapura Mallige crash

DHNS

Udupi, 11 June 2011: Shankarapura Mallige, the jasmine that has spread its aroma across miles has failed to fetch satisfactory price to the growers in the recent days.

 

While speaking to farmer Denzil Castelino informed that it is the usual phenomenon in the fluctuation of price of jasmine flowers, when it rains.

 

“The jasmine plant blooms with high yields, when it receives sufficient water with the commencement of monsoon season,” he added.

 

During peak period, one “atte” of jasmine would fetch not less than Rs 400. One atte of jasmine consists of four “chendu”. One chendu comprises as many as 700 jasmine flowers.

 

Earlier one chendu would have as many as 800 flowers, however now it has only 700 flowers.

 

Farmer Ramakrishna Bantakallu said the current yield is called “Male Huvu” and it happens always during the beginning of rainy season. When the production is more, the price will naturally come down, he added.

 

According to Castelino, this low price will be there only for few days. Once the yield comes down, the price may go up to Rs 200 to 250 for one atte. The marriage functions and religious ceremonies are also less these days, he added.

 

Shanakarpur Mallige was earlier grown only in Belmannu, Shirva, Shankarapura, Moodubelle and Bantakallu areas. However, now it has spread Heeriyadka, Hebri and Brahmavara. So the production is much higher when compared to earlier days.