This year’s unseasonal rains have significantly impacted marigold flower gardens, leading to a steep increase in flower prices during the festive season of Dussehra. In the market, marigold prices have surged to Rs 100 to 150 per kilogram due to limited supply. These flowers are in high demand for traditional Vahan Puja and other religious rituals on Dussehra.

The famous Dadar flower market in Mumbai usually dominates the flower trade, but during Dussehra, farmers from regions like Nasik and Satara gather outside the Mumbai Agricultural Produce Market Committee's fruit and vegetable market in Navi Mumbai to sell their flowers directly. Since early morning, buyers have been flocking to the market to purchase marigold flowers, despite the shortage.

Last year, the flower yield was much higher, thanks to rains at the end of September, which resulted in a greater supply and lower prices ranging from Rs 30 to 80 per kg. However, farmers were hit hard by increased production costs, leading to reduced flower planting this year. Additionally, this year’s late September rains damaged flower farms across the state, causing disease and black tick infestations that affected marigold crops. Farmers had to resort to heavy spraying to salvage whatever yield they could.

Ranjit Yewle, a farmer from Vadigaon in Khatav taluka, explained that the cost of growing flowers has increased by 25 to 30 percent compared to last year, due to a 10 to 15 percent rise in fertilizer, seed prices, and labor costs. As a result, marigold prices have skyrocketed. Vikas Kale, another farmer, noted that while last year saw a production of 7 tonnes per acre, this year’s harvest is expected to be only around 3 tonnes.

In addition to marigold flowers, decorative flower arches are being sold at Rs 50 to 100 per meter, while plantain leaves, mango twigs, and other items essential for Dussehra celebrations are being sold for Rs 20 per pair. Traders like Sunita Shere pointed out that the scarcity of these items due to unseasonal weather has contributed to the price hike.