Constant rainfall hits marigold supply at APMC in Pune ahead of Dasara

PUNE: The supply of marigolds in the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Pune has been erratic due to heavy rainfall over the last few days. The short supply could lead to higher prices for the flowers during Dasara celebrations.
APMC officials said that they usually record the arrival of over 60,000kg marigold on an average every day when Dasara is around the corner.This year, especially in the last two days, they have received a lot of damaged flowers due to rain.
The officials added that, on October 19, 71,000kg marigold was brought to the APMC, while the very next day it was only 26,000kg. The average wholesale price for marigolds at Pune APMC on Thursday was Rs40, per kg, while the arrival was 45,000kg.
The officials said that if damaged flowers continue to arrive in the market, the price of marigolds will rise due to the dip in the supply.
Sagar Bhosale, coordinator at the flower market association in Pune, said that everyone is unsure about the supply and demand in the market this year. “From the last few days, damaged flowers fetched a price of around Rs5-10, per kg, in the wholesale market, while good quality marigolds were priced at Rs50-70, per kg. The price of the flowers for Dasara will be decided on the basis of arrival from Thursday night,” Bhosale said, adding that it is very difficult to assess the current situation.
If the rainfall does not stop, the produce is expected to get damaged, reducing the quality and price. “Considering that temples are still closed and major companies are not working at full strength, the demand may take a hit this year,” Bhosale added.
Babaji Ghadge, a farmer from Rajgurunagar, said that his marigold produce was wasted due to the rains. “I was expecting at least 2 tonne marigold harvest this year but the rain spoiled everything. I have only 10% flowers that can fetch a better price. I have suffered a heavy loss this year,” he said.
He added that considering the current situation, good quality marigold flowers could fetch more than Rs100 per kg in the retail market. While the quantity of marigolds arriving at Pune APMC rose to 71,000kg on October 19, the number dipped to 45,000kg on Thursday.