Pune Flower Prices Plunge After Ganeshotsav; Farmers Await Navratri Demand

Pune: Flower prices at Pune’s Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Market Yard have fallen sharply following Ganeshotsav, leaving growers struggling with low returns as demand weakens during Pitru Paksha. Farmers and traders are now hoping that Navratri, beginning October 11, will revive demand and improve prices.

The decline comes after large quantities of flowers were brought to the market during Ganeshotsav. While growers received comparatively better rates during the first few days of the festival, prices began falling after Gauri immersion and declined further with the beginning of Pitru Paksha.

Marigold Falls to ₹5–₹20 Per Kg

Marigold, which fetched around ₹20 to ₹50 per kg during the first five days of Ganeshotsav, is now selling for just ₹5 to ₹20 per kg.

Shevanti prices have dropped from ₹50–₹80 per kg to ₹10–₹30, while gulchhadi, previously selling at ₹100–₹150 per kg, is now fetching only ₹20–₹40.

Dutch roses have also witnessed a significant fall. A bunch of 20 roses that earlier fetched ₹100–₹150 is now selling for approximately ₹40–₹60.

High Supply Adds Pressure on Prices

Flowers are cultivated on a large scale across Pune, Satara, Sangli and Solapur districts, which are among the key suppliers to Pune’s market.

According to traders, favourable weather supported flower cultivation this season. Good rainfall in July helped plantation, while reduced and scattered rainfall later prevented extensive damage to flower crops.

As a result, the quality and supply of flowers remained relatively strong. However, the large quantities reaching the market during the festive period also prevented prices from reaching last year’s levels, according to traders.

Pitru Paksha Hits Demand

Demand for decorative and worship flowers generally weakens during Pitru Paksha compared with major festivals. This seasonal drop has further pressured prices after Ganeshotsav.

Santosh Kumbharkar, head of the flower market department at the Pune Agricultural Produce Market Committee, said flower arrivals have reduced during Pitru Paksha because of weak demand, while farmers are facing difficulties due to the low prices.

Farmers Pin Hopes on Navratri

Traders expect the situation to improve once Navratri begins on October 11, when demand for flowers used for religious ceremonies and decorations is expected to increase.

Some farmers are also holding back better-quality produce in anticipation of stronger festive demand and improved prices during Navratri.

For growers who received lower-than-expected returns despite good production during Ganeshotsav, the upcoming festival could prove crucial in determining their earnings for the season.