Prices of cut-flowers in June-July trade between Rs 2 and Rs 2.50 for a stem.
“In Karnataka, Ashada (June-July period) is considered inauspicious to perform marriages or any other ceremonies; this saw poor sales of cut-flowers,” said Dr G. Shankara Murthy, General Manager, IFAB.
“Normally, not many weddings take place in the State during Ashada and prices fall by 50-60 per cent,,” he said.
Though Ashada is observed in Andhra Pradesh, too, this time there has been an extended marriage period.
Some non-resident Indians had performed marriages for their children to meet the visa deadlines. Again from next week, the marriage season begins.
IFAB Ltd is a joint venture company, set up by the Karnataka Government with the private exporters, to conduct regular auctions and promote floriculture exports from the State.
The marriage and festival season, which begin from July-end in South India are expected to result in increased demand again, the IFAB official said. The demand for flowers such as roses, tulips, gerberas and orchids extends up to November, except during the cyclone season when sales and production fall sharply.
Dr Jayaprakash Rao, General Secretary, South India Floriculture Association, said: “The start of the marriage and festival season in South India is expected to push up prices of cut flowers by 15-20 per cent this year due to dry weather in the State.”
The flower growing belt of Doddaballapur and Hosur area near Bangalore has been partially affected due to deficient monsoon.
Mr Rao said: “Some floriculture units are facing severe water shortage and are forced to depend on fast depleting ground water to maintain their farms.”
Karnataka’s cut flower production is estimated between 9 lakh and 10 lakh stems.
Of this, around two lakh enter the IFAB auction platforms and the rest are traded in unorganised markets.
source: http://www.TheHinduBusinessLine.com / Home> Industry & Economy> Agri-Biz / by Anil Urs / July 23rd, 2012