The bustling wedding season in Kolkata has hit a major roadblock. A sudden collapse in domestic air travel has severely choked the vital supply chain that brings fresh flowers from southern states to the city. With local production also impacted by unseasonal rainfall, florists and event planners are struggling to meet the soaring demand for fresh blooms.
Supply Chain Crisis Hits Mullick Ghat Market
West Bengal is India's third-largest flower producer, growing over 10,000 tonnes annually. Mullick Ghat, the state's biggest flower market, acts as a national and international distribution hub. However, every wedding season, large quantities of specific flowers like roses, gypsophila, carnations, gerbera, orchids, and lilies are flown in from Karnataka and other southern states to meet Kolkata's high seasonal demand.
This critical air bridge has now been disrupted. "The prices of flowers have shot up due to supply chain disruptions during the ongoing domestic air travel crisis," said Sheikh Rajesh, a wholesaler at Mullick Ghat. "The prices have more than doubled in the domestic market as the demand is very high due to the wedding season."
Soaring Prices and Limited Alternatives
The price surge is dramatic. A bunch of 20 roses, which sold for around Rs 600 just a few weeks ago, is now priced between Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,400. Similarly, gypsophila has jumped from Rs 250 per bunch to Rs 500. The crisis is compounded by problems in local production. Excessive rainfall earlier this year reduced the output of regional flowers like marigold and rajnigandha (tuberose), whose prices have also more than doubled.
"There are several weddings taking place during this time of the year, and flowers are a necessity," emphasized Raj Jaiswal of Wedding Sutra Event Management Private Limited. The dual blow of disrupted imports and poor local harvest has left the industry with few options.
Event Planners Turn to Plastic, Face Losses
The shortage is forcing difficult compromises. Some decorators are reluctantly turning to artificial alternatives. One event planner revealed the financial strain: "Though orders are placed in advance, we cannot procure fresh flowers and store them. This has resulted in losses as we are using plastic flowers and refunding money to clients."
The situation highlights the fragility of supply chains dependent on air transport for perishable goods. With the wedding season in full swing and no immediate solution to the air travel issues, Kolkata's celebrations are facing a less fragrant and more expensive reality.
