Flowers, fruits price surge in Bengaluru ahead of festival

NT Correspondent Bengaluru: Prices of fruits and flowers have increased sharply in the KR market ahead of Ayudha Pooja and Dussehra, leaving customers surprised on Thursday. Flower prices have risen significantly, with Kanakambaram (Crossandra infundib uliformis) now costing 1,700 rupees per kg, up from 950 rupees a week ago; jasmine priced at 1,000 rupees per kg, compared to 670 rupees previously; and roses now at 500 rupees per kg, up from 270 rupees. While speaking with News Trail, flower seller Mahadevi from Ramnagar district said, "Every morning, we bring loads of Kanakambaram and Gandharaj flowers. We arrive by train around 4 a.m. During festival times, the demand for flowers is high, and this year, due to the rain, we have a lower quantity compared to last year. Hence, the demand for flowers has significantly increased." Meanwhile, other flowers like Sevanti (Chrysanthemum) are priced at 300 rupees per kg, while Sugandaraja costs 350 rupees. Marigold flowers are at 800 rupees per kg, and round jasmine has risen to 500 rupees per kg, up from 200 rupees. Lotus pairs are now priced at 70 rupees, whereas they were previously 50 rupees.

The prices of fruits have also risen, with apples costing 120 to 150 rupees per kg, pomegranates at 250 rupees per kg, cardamom bananas at 120 rupees per kg, custard apples priced between 140 to 180 rupees, and grapes costing between 180 to 200 rupees. Due to the rains, the price of tomatoes is increasing day by day and has now reached 80 rupees per kg, up from 30 rupees two weeks ago. Tomato prices are rising due to a lack of supply in the market because of the rain, as the KR market receives tomatoes from Hoskote, Channapatna, and Tumkur, commented vegetable vendor Hameed Pasha to News Trail.