Festive season and heavy rains surge fruit, flower prices in Bengaluru

Despite high prices, flower vendors at the city’s KR Market have been witnessing a strong demand for several flowers, especially chrysanthemums. Its price remains high in the off-season, costing Rs 300 per kg, and currently, it costs Rs 350–400 per kg. The price of jasmine has touched between Rs 300 and Rs 500, and kanakambara has reached Rs 600 per kg.

The crops in Chikkaballapura and Kolar were damaged due to heavy rain, causing low supply; this led to an increase in price, said Manjunath Gowda, a flower wholesaler.

Not to talk of flowers, the price of fruit has also increased. Sweet lime and custard apple are being sold at Rs 100 per kg. Apples and pomegranates are available at Rs 200–250, and Yelakki bananas are selling above Rs 100 per kg. Market experts say that transportation costs and crop damage have led to high prices of fruits.

Monsoon rains have created a lot of issues, as flowers spoil quickly in this season. "Half our stock spoils if it rains," said vendor Lakshmi Sundari. Prices are likely to remain high unless the rains become normal and improve supply.