The wholesale flower market in Pune is experiencing a significant decline in prices just weeks ahead of the Ganpati festival, primarily due to an unexpected abundance of flowers surpassing the current demand.
According to traders, loose flowers like marigolds (zendu) and chrysanthemums (shevanti) are now being sold for Rs 5-20 per kilogram at the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC). This is a drastic drop from the previous week, when these flowers were priced at Rs 40-50 per kilogram.
In an interview with the Indian Express, Santosh Kumbharkar, the head of the APMC’s flower market, commented, “The price decline has severely impacted loose flowers, whereas cut flowers, typically used for decorative purposes, have maintained relatively stable prices. Currently, wholesale rates for marigold range from Rs 5-10 per kg, daisy (bijli flower) from Rs 10-30 per kg, and chrysanthemum from Rs 10-20 per kg.”
Kumbharkar further noted that this is an unprecedented situation for August, just before Ganpati, with such high flower supply. He anticipates that demand will increase as the festival approaches, and potential heavy rainfall in the coming days might disrupt supply and lead to a price increase.
Another trader, Sandip Kamthe, linked the bumper harvest to favorable weather conditions last month, stating, “Reduced rainfall and extended sunshine hours have enhanced flower growth and minimized crop damage, resulting in a larger yield, despite the weak demand from buyers that has driven prices down.”
Kamthe added, “The disparity between supply and demand has become so severe that some traders have resorted to discarding excess flowers due to the lack of buyers. It remains uncertain how prices will fluctuate once the Ganpati celebrations peak.”
However, not all flower varieties are facing price drops. Kamthe mentioned that sunflower prices have remained stable, ranging from Rs 70-120 for a bunch of five.
Traders recalled that during last year’s Ganpati celebrations, chrysanthemums were sold for approximately Rs 120 per kilogram. Given the current surplus in the market, they expect this year’s prices to be lower.
Shubham Kurale is a journalist based in Pune, having studied at the Ranade Institute. He specializes in transport reporting and has interests in civic issues, sports, gig economy workers, environmental matters, and LGBTQ+ topics. Follow him on X: @ShubhamKurale1
