Ganeshotsav is the most important period for the flower business

The first five days of Ganeshotsav, from Ganraya’s Pratishtapana to Gauri Aagman (September 14 to 18), witnessed a massive turnover of crores of rupees in the flower market at Market Yard, Pune.

According to the Pune Krishi Utpanna Bazar Samiti (APMC, or Agriculture Produce Market Committee), a total of 2 lakh 60 thousand kilograms of marigold (Zendu) alone arrived over these five days. The total turnover of the flower market during this period crossed Rs 3 crore 68 lakh.

In terms of the five-day arrival data at the Pune flower market from September 14 to 18, marigold (Zendu) arrivals stood at 2,60,000 kg, tuberose (Gulchadi) at 97,000 kg, white chrysanthemum (Pandhari Shevanti) at 1,23,000 kg, and yellow chrysanthemum (Pivli Shevanti) at 56,000 kg, while Dutch rose arrivals totaled 43,500 bunches. Altogether, the market recorded a turnover of Rs 3.68 crore.

The flowers were sourced in large quantities from Solapur, Satara and Sangli districts, as well as from the Soratapwadi, Yavat, Loni Kalbhor and Maval areas of Pune district. Demand remained high for temple decoration, household puja, Ganesh mandal aaras, garlands and various religious rituals.

© Sneh Florist

Sharing details about the market trend, Santosh Kumbharkar, Head of Flower Market Department, Pune APMC, said: “Ganeshotsav is the most important period for the flower business. The first five days are crucial. This year, due to a break in rainfall, farmers sent flowers for sale in large quantities by harvesting on a large scale. The supply was more than the demand. Compared to last year, the quality of flowers was affected due to rains last year, but this year the supply is good. At present, the rains have taken a break. If the rain returns in large quantity, it will affect the flower cultivation. After that, in Navratri, the arrival of flowers will be low and prices will remain stable.”

Commenting on the prices, Sagar Bhosale, Trader and Representative of Flower Market Adat Association, said: “Farmers hold flowers expecting good rates during Ganeshotsav. This time there was no rain during the festival period, so harvesting was done on a large scale and arrival increased. Despite increased demand, flower rates have increased by about 30% compared to normal days.”

Arun Veer, President, Flower Market Adat Association, added: “Wholesale buyers, decorators, garland-puja material sellers and household customers purchased in large quantities. Even though demand was good, since supply was more, farmers got relatively lower prices compared to last year.”