Onam festive rush triggers surge in flower prices in Keralam

The festive season has triggered a sharp surge in flower prices throughout local markets, driven by supply chain bottlenecks, an early holiday calendar, and reduced yields in neighbouring States. Merchants note that because Onam arrived earlier and after a two-month lull, traders were left with little time to normalise inter-State arrivals.

“The sudden shift right after the off-season caught us off guard,” explains flower merchant Rajesh Ramaswamy. “While prices for roses and white chrysanthemums are fairly consistent with last year, marigolds have shot up from around ₹100 per kilogram to ₹140–₹150.”

He adds that acute water scarcity and adverse weather in key cultivation hubs across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have severely pinched supply lines, pushing retail rates for essentials like marigold and jasmine well past last year’s figures.

Local cultivators like B. Subith from Poovathur, who expects a 3,000-kg yield from his one-acre marigold farm, says that market rates will only truly settle once public festivities gather full steam. “Most Onam celebrations and large-scale events begin this Friday. Demand will peak then, and prices could rise further,” he states.

Kudumbashree initiative

To cushion consumers against inflation and cut dependence on imported blooms, the District Kudumbashree Mission has expanded regional cultivation. Under its Nirappolima initiative, 597 joint liability groups (JLGs) are farming 102.65 acres with marigolds, chrysanthemums, gomphrena, and jasmine. “By enhancing domestic supply during the festive rush, the project aims to curb soaring market prices while simultaneously providing fresh, low-cost flowers and crucial income opportunities for local women farmers,” says an official.