Prices go up as Odisha and Chhattisgarh states seek Paderu marigolds

Visakhapatnam: After the festival of Diwali, the month of Kartika sees increased demand for marigolds. The tribal farmers of Paderu mandal and adjoining Hukumpeta Gimadugula cultivate marigolds and this year they have done more.

Currently, the price of a 10 kg basket of marigolds has gone up to Rs 200 and this is because of the demand from Odisha and Chhattisgarh states. These states' traders are currently in Paderu, procuring marigolds.

Normally after Dasara, a 10 kg basket of marigold flowers can be had for Rs 50 to Rs 75. But, on Saturday, Paderu farmers sold the same 10-kg basketball of marigold flowers for Rs 200. The tribal farmers are happy with the sharp price increase.

Generally, traders from Anakapalli, Narsipatnam, Tuni and Kakinada used to buy marigold flowers from these tribal farmers. Then they were transported to the flower markets of Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Eluru.

From last November, traders from Odisha and Chhattisgarh states came to the agency and bought these flowers. Hence, a price increase.

“Odisha and Chhattisgarh states do not cultivate marigolds. They are buying these from Paderu at high prices. From the end of October to almost the first week of December, marigolds are sold in Paderu. This is the best season for these flowers,”says Krishna Prasad, a farmer from Paderu.

Marigolds cultivated organically in the agency are different from the other areas.

In other areas, the flowers perish within two to three days after cutting. If these flowers are purchased and not transported to the markets elsewhere on time, the traders will suffer a major loss. But Paderu Marigolds are different. They remain fresh even three or four days after cutting. Due to this, traders are coming to Paderu.

The occasions of Kartika month and special pujas of Ayyappa devotees created the huge demand for marigolds. The sale of marigolds in the agency area are going on in full swing. More farmers are likely to cultivate this crop, agriculture officials said.