Demand for Jasmine Flowers raise as production drops by rain

By Prakash Katpadi
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 12 July 2011: Historically famous Shakarapura Jasmine Flowers (Mallige) gained huge demand even in the rainy season, but the production has dropped due to heavy rain which has caused concern to the producers. The flower buds are falling down with the cool temperature caused by the rains, which has reduced the income to the producers.

 

 

 

As the production is reduced the demand has rised even in the month of July. In this rainy season the production has reduced by 50% in Bantakal, Shirva, Innanje, Pangala, Moodubelle areas. About 3,000 people of this area who are farming Jasmine flowers are now without much work to do in the mornings. On Sunday there has been huge demand for the flowers from Udupi, Mangalore and also from Mumbai market.

 

More than 750 packs (atti) of flowers have been dispatched to Mumbai on Sunday. In Shankarapura market rate was Rs. 305 to Rs. 400 and in city area the rate was even Rs. 1,000 per pack. At noon even for Rs. 1,500 the flowers were not available, as they get sold out by then. When there is demand, if the prices are raised the producers can benefit more, but the prices are controlled by the agents.

 

With the policy of controlling the prices by the agents, even though there so much demand the producers do not get the benefit out of it for their hard work. A system of flower growers themselves determining the prices is to be implemented opinioned Jasmine flower grower Ronald Castelino.