Flower prices soar at Madurai market amid supply crunch

Madurai: Flower prices have surged at the Mattuthavani wholesale flower market in Madurai, driven by increased festival demand and supply shortages. Madurai malli (jasmine) rose to Rs 1,400 per kg from its typical range of Rs 400 to Rs 800, while crossandra climbed to Rs 1,500 per kg. Other flowers such as pitchi and mullai are selling at Rs 1,000 per kg, arali at Rs 500, sampangi at Rs 200, and paneer rose at Rs 250 per kg.

Traders and market officials attribute the price spike to a sharp drop in arrivals caused by adverse weather in major growing regions. Murugan, treasurer of the Mattuthavani Meenakshi Wholesale Flower Traders Association, said daily jasmine arrivals have fallen to around 3 tonnes from the normal supply of nearly 10 tonnes. Farmer Netaji from Usilampatti said unseasonal climatic shifts have damaged flowering and cut daily harvesting yields by nearly half, restricting supply as festive retail buying peaked.

The price rise has pushed shoppers toward cheaper alternatives. Devi, a shopper, said jasmine can be bought at lower rates elsewhere or online, and she is considering crossandra, chrysanthemum or plastic and foam options. Murugan expects prices to stay elevated until the celebrations end, with another upward trend anticipated in the upcoming wedding season.