One kg of Galgota (marigold) flowers which were sold for Rs100 last year, is available for Rs40 this Diwali.
It may not be the appropriate time but it's economical nowadays to please your beloved by presenting roses. The prices have come down by 60%, thanks to oversupply and fall in demand.
One kg of Galgota (marigold) flowers which were sold for Rs100 last year, is available for Rs40 this Diwali. Also, the price of roses per kg has gone down by Rs400. The retailers have passed on the benefit to customers -- but only marginally.
Surprisingly, during this festive season, when everything is at inflated prices, flowers are found cheaper than last year. There is a remarkable 60% slump in the prices of the traditional flowers, as compared to last year's Diwali.
A rise in local production of flowers and lesser demands from people is believed to be the major reason for the decline of prices. Traditionally, people decorate their homes and offices with flowers like marigold, rose, sevanthi, during Diwali. These flowers are used in making toran and rangoli, and also for various rituals. But because of the larger impact of inflation, the demand of these flowers seems to be low this year.
Umang Rami of Rami Flowers, a retail florist, said, "Marigold flowers were sold for Rs100 per kg last Diwali; that has come down to Rs40 this year. Last year, roses were sold for Rs600 per kg, are now sold for Rs200 this year." Rami said that the demand of traditional flowers is lesser than last year.
The wholesale prices of these traditional flowers have reduced by half, as compared to last year. Ahmed Husain Shaikh, president of The Ahmedabad Wholesale Flower Merchant's Association, said, "This Diwali, the prices of flowers like marigold and rose, are 50% less than last year." He further informed that more supply and less demand have resulted in low prices of flowers.
Talking about the glaring difference in the wholesale prices of flowers, Shaikh also said that marigold was sold for Rs45-50 a kg last year, which has come down to Rs10-15. Also, the price of roses on the day of Diwali was Rs400 a kg last year, which is expected to be Rs200 this year. Currently, roses are being sold for Rs80 per kg at the wholesale market.
Explaining the slump in prices this year, Shaikh said, "Flowers are highly perishable. Local variety of marigold flowers cost Rs10-15 per kg. and with fall in demand, we sell them at lower prices- as low as Rs7 per kg."
However, the fall in the prices of traditional flowers doesn't apply to exotic flowers. The prices of flowers like English roses, orchids, carnation, gerbera, have been nearly stable as compared to last year's Diwali.
Commenting on the pattern of fluctuating prices of flowers round the year, Shaikh added with a smile, "Flower market is riskier, more unpredictable and more volatile than the stock market. Every day the demands changes, and thus change the prices."
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