Mumbai Marigold Prices May Rise Before Diwali

Marigold prices in Mumbai could rise sharply before Diwali after heavy rainfall damaged flower crops in Baramati and parts of Pune, with vendors at Dadar flower market expecting rates to climb from the current Rs 80 per kg to as much as Rs 120 per kg.

The affected areas received more than 100 mm of rain on November 2, according to a report by Mid-Day. The rainfall damaged marigold plants through rot and physical damage, raising concerns about the supply reaching Mumbai’s wholesale and retail markets during the festival period.

Vendors said the immediate impact had not yet fully reached Dadar market. Supply was still described as usual, and prices varied according to flower quality, vendor and bargaining. However, sellers said the market could change over the next two days as damaged crops reduce arrivals and festival demand increases.

Rohit Jadhav, a vendor at Dadar flower market, said the usual price was currently Rs 80 per kg, although customers buying early in the morning could sometimes negotiate rates of Rs 60 or Rs 70. He said prices were not fixed and depended on the day’s market conditions.

Rohit Gupta, another vendor, said marigold prices were volatile even without crop damage. He said flowers had sometimes sold for Rs 20 per kg, indicating the wide fluctuations that can occur in the market depending on supply and demand.