Jasmine prices fall; Rs 150 for a set!

Team Udayavani, Mar 31, 2019, 8:14 AM IST

Shirva: The demand for Shankarapura jasmine has dropped consequently bringing down prices drastically at Rs 150 per set on Saturday. In November, the price determining centre revised the prices and since there was a shortage for jasmines, the price was set at a max price of Rs 1,250 per set. Till now the prices in the market gradually fell to an equilibrium and on Friday, Saturday the prices fell low.

No matter rise in the demand, the maximum price has been cut off at Rs 1,250 and it is final. But there is no minimum price set for set of jasmine.

Decision on minimum price

The minimum price for a set of jasmines must be decided at least Rs 300. For the plucking and tying of a ‘Cehndu’ of jasmine which consists of around 800 flower buds, Rs 20 need to be paid. Rs 80 needs to be paid for a set of jasmines that are plucked and tied. The services of those who tie the flowers has become expensive. When all the expenses are totaled, the cultivator is facing more loss in comparison to the market prices.

No minimum price

“Since there are no functions, the demand for the flower are plummeted bringing down the prices with it. The price of the flowers is based on the demand. Then maximum price for a set of jasmine flowers is set at Rs 1,250. No minimum price has been set,” informs Vincent Rodrigues, Shankarapur Jasmine Merchant

“When there is a fall in the prices, the cultivator faces loss. By understanding the difficulty faced by the cultivators, the minimum price should be set at Rs 300 for their welfare,” suggests Violet Castelino, Jasmine Cultivator, Kodugudde