Flower prices crash in Pune ahead of Ganapati festival

Pune’s flower market is witnessing a sharp fall in price amid excess supply. Loose flowers such as marigolds and chrysanthemums are currently selling for around Rs 10-20 per kg in the wholesale market. Traders said prolonged spells of sunshine and relatively less rainfall in Aug had resulted in abundant supplies.

“Traders are literally throwing away flowers because there is so much supply in the market and very few buyers. We have to see how price shapes up during the Ganapati season,” said Santosh Kumbharkar, head of the APMC flower market.Most of the loose flowers sold in the wholesale market are sourced from Pune district.

“This is the first time in Aug that the flower supply has been so high. Usually, there is some level of spoilage due to rain, but this year, prices have crashed,” said Jalinder Shelar, a flower wholesaler in Market Yard.

Traders believe flower price may not reach last year’s levels during the Ganapati festival. “Last year during Ganapati, chrysanthemums sold for Rs 120-140 per kg. This year, given the surplus, we feel the price may not cross Rs 70-80 per kg.