The vibrant wedding season in Prayagraj has cast a shadow of expense over celebrations, triggering a dramatic surge in the prices of flowers, especially roses and marigolds. Markets across the city are witnessing a sharp price hike, leaving buyers and decorators shell-shocked as demand far outstrips the available supply.
Key Drivers Behind the Floral Inflation
This price explosion is not a simple case of high demand. It is the result of a perfect storm of agricultural and economic challenges. Agro expert Manoj Kumar explained that a combination of increased costs for pesticides, labor, and maintenance, alongside unpredictable weather, has forced farmers to sell their blooms at higher prices. Compounding this, an 18% GST on pesticides and high labour costs have significantly squeezed profit margins for flower growers, as highlighted by Srivastava.
Supply Chain Disruptions and Farmer Choices
The supply of flowers has been severely impacted by multiple factors. The trans-Yamuna belt, a key flower-producing region, has suffered from adverse weather conditions, disrupting normal cultivation cycles. Furthermore, a noticeable shift in crop preference has occurred, with many farmers opting for more lucrative wheat cultivation over flowers. This reduction in dedicated flower farmland has directly contributed to the shortage. Traders at the main Naini market confirmed that prices for wedding decoration flowers have already soared.
Market Realities and Future Projections
The immediate effect on the retail market is stark. Retail rose prices have doubled in the past month. Marigold prices have also experienced a similar surge, jumping from their previous range of Rs 50-70 per basket. Monu, a leading flower dealer and decorator at Rambagh, stated that the peak wedding season in November and early December, combined with the limited supply, are the primary drivers. He added that prices are expected to rise even further in December and January, fueled by continuous demand from weddings and temple decorations. Notably, many decorative flowers are sourced from cities like Bengaluru and Varanasi, adding logistical costs to the already high prices.
The situation in Prayagraj highlights the fragile balance between agricultural practice, market economics, and seasonal traditions, leaving everyone from farmers to wedding planners navigating a challenging new normal.
