Flower markets bloom with business in Thiruvananthapuram
The Lotus which comes from Vellayani is the only flower that makes its way from local producers often.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Flower markets at Chalai and elsewhere in the city have been bustling this week. To be noted is the disparity in prices of flowers across the city. Several 24x7 flower shops have been functioning in Chalai and costs differ daily and are expected to go through the roof during Thiruvonam on Wednesday. A kilogram of orange marigold (jamanthi) costs Rs 85 in Chalai and the yellow ones cost Rs 100. The bachelor’s button (vadamalli) costs Rs 100 a kg. Arali remains expensive at Rs 200 per kg.
The Lotus which comes from Vellayani is the only flower that makes its way from local producers often. Oleander and Roses also are in great demand. Flowers are Rs 20-25 more in retail shops in various places like Thycaud and Peroorkada. With only marigolds coming from Thovalai, the once thriving flower hub in Tamil Nadu, seasonal traders from Madurai and Hosur take away most of the Onam revenue. Every day around 15-20 truckloads come here.
“The volume of flowers reaching Madurai market has apparently increased leading to a dip in prices. More farmers from Rayalakottai, Salem and Dindigul are growing marigolds leading to a change in the flower market that was once monopolised by Thovalai flowers. However, the price will increase,” said flower trader Pookkada Kannan. Traders say families are ready to spend upto Rss 5,000. So for major florists, profits will go up to lakhs on Thiruvonam day. “A lot of business was already done on Friday as government offices celebrated Onam. Now private companies will continue to acquire flowers in large quantities,” he said.