Prayagraj: The scorching sun is taking a heavy toll on rose flower cultivation in the trans-Yamuna belt of the city. Intense heat causes rose flowers to lose their colour, leading to substantial losses for local farmers. Experts attribute this to rapid dehydration, which stunts bud development and causes petals to fade. As temperatures rise, flower size shrinks, colours wash out, and plants enter survival mode.
Impact on Rose Quality and Harvest
Farmers report that under extreme sunlight, rose blooms lose vibrancy and become brittle, making damage-free harvesting nearly impossible. The trans-Yamuna region, a major rose-producing area, is experiencing low production, which has reduced domestic supplies and pushed market prices higher. Agriculture experts note that prolonged heatwaves exceeding 40°C often lead to burnt foliage, bud drop, and increased vulnerability to pest attacks. To protect crops, farmers are advised to adopt morning irrigation and mulching techniques.
Market Reactions and Price Surge
Raj Kumar, a flower vendor at Naini flower market, stated, “Rose prices have risen manifold due to intense heat and low crop production across the entire trans-Yamuna belt.” He confirmed that rose sizes have reduced, yet they are sold at higher prices. “Earlier, a basket of roses sold for Rs 400-450, but now it goes for Rs 750 or more,” said Radhe, another vendor. He added that low production and high prices have pushed many vendors to switch to other flowers like marigold and jasmine.
Production Hubs and Supply Chain
The Chaka and Karchana blocks of the district are key hubs for rose production. With the crop affected, traders are now sourcing roses from Varanasi and Kolkata. The heatwave has slashed production by 50% per bigha. Farmers are struggling to protect their crops and seeking expert advice for strategic irrigation. Most farmers grow roses in open fields, and only a few use polyhouses for cultivation.
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About the Author: Kapil Dixit writes on crime, traffic, health, administration, politics, and offbeat stories from Prayagraj. He has extensively covered Maha Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh, Magh Melas, and state assembly as well as parliamentary polls from 2002 to 2025. His hobbies include reading, writing, and meeting people with diverse interests.
