Prices of Fruits, Flowers Skyrocket Ahead of Varalaxmi Festival

Varalakshmi Vratam 2021: Markets are bustling anew as the city enters the festive season after months of lockdown and sluggish sales.

People have been flocking to major shopping destinations in preparation for Vara Mahalakshmi Vratam 2021, which occurs on August 20. During the festival, ladies pray to the Hindu deity of wealth for their own and their families well-being.

However, unlike in the past, when vegetable costs rose as the festive season approached, this year's greens have stayed reasonably priced. Even though petrol and diesel prices have remained at all-time highs. Certain veggies have dropped in price by as much as Rs 10 to Rs 12 per kilogramme.

All vegetables' costs remain constant, except for carrots and green peas. Carrots are currently selling for Rs 80 to Rs 90 per kilogramme, up from Rs 60 to Rs 70 a few days ago, while green peas are selling for Rs 110 to Rs 120 per kilogramme, a slight increase from previous days.

The bountiful supply of veggies to the marketplaces was made possible by the abundant rain. However, due to the lack of large-scale events such as weddings, the increase in supply hasn't been matched by an increase in demand.

This is particularly true for common foods like potatoes and onions. Heavy rains generally result in a dramatic increase in the cost of the two veggies, but that hasn't happened this time. Potatoes cost between Rs 14 and Rs 16 per kilogramme, whereas onions cost between Rs 10 and Rs 20 per kilogramme, depending on the size.

Fruits and flowers are costlier.

However, fruits and flowers have been more expensive than a few months ago, mainly because of demand and supply mismatches.

Whilst demand was high due to the celebrations, supply decreased due to a drop in crop production.

The chrysanthemum, which used to cost around Rs 100 per kilogramme, now costs Rs 220 per kilogramme. The price of roses has increased by Rs 40 per kilogramme. Jasmine, which once sold for Rs 700 to 800 per kilogramme, now sells for Rs 1,500 per kg. The local oleander is now selling for Rs 300 to Rs 350 per kilogramme, up from Rs 120 to Rs 150 previously.

Fruit prices have also risen as a result of the seasonal demand. Bananas have increased by Rs 15 to Rs 20 per kilogramme, while mosambi has increased by Rs 20 per kilogramme. Last year, a pair of plantain stems cost between Rs 30 and Rs 40, but today they cost between Rs 60 and Rs 70, depending on the height and quality.