Bengaluru’s roses are much in demand not just in domestic market but also abroad.
According to Ramakrishna Karaturi, former president of South Indian Floriculture Association, with the wedding season overlapping with Valentine’s Day, the demand for roses in the domestic market has seen a surge. However, owing to adverse weather conditions, the production of roses has dropped 30% this year. This, in combination with the demand in the domestic market, has meant that the cost of roses has also seen a steep hike. While a stem of rose averaged at ?7 last year, it is now retailing at around ?20.
Another grower, on condition of anonymity, said the cost of pink roses had overshot that of traditional red roses, primarily because of the wedding season. “The cost of the pink variety has touched ?24 per stem,” he said. Among red roses, the Taj Mahal variety, known for its superior bud quality and colour, remains a popular choice. Other varieties – First Red and Grand Gala – had been phased out, said the grower.
Australian market
Bengaluru, which is known for its superior quality of red roses, has around 30 exporters. This year, around 20 million stems have been exported to middle-eastern and far-eastern countries, apart from New Zealand.
However, the city has lost out on a big market. Owing to issues with phytosanitary certifications, Bengaluru has not been able to export roses to Australia. “Usually, 7 to 8 million stems would be exported to Australia. Since exports have been banned to that country, it is a big hit to exporters. It will be difficult to get back the customers next year once the phytosanitary issues are sorted out,” Mr. Karaturi said.
Source :- Thehindu.com
