Onam Demand Pushes Flower Prices Higher Across Kerala

Flower prices in Kerala have surged as the Onam festival approaches, with retailers noting increases compared to the same period last year. The price hike reflects broader supply pressures affecting the region's festive season demand.

Merchants attribute the surge primarily to production difficulties in major flower-growing areas across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Acute water shortages and adverse weather conditions in these cultivation hubs have constrained output, limiting supplies reaching Kerala's wholesale and retail markets.

The combination of festival-driven demand and restricted supply has created an imbalance in the market. Florists and retailers say they have had to source flowers at higher wholesale rates, resulting in elevated prices passed on to consumers purchasing garlands, arrangements, and other floral decorations for Onam celebrations.

Industry observers note that supply chain disruptions in southern India's horticultural sector have broader implications for flower availability across the region during peak festive periods. The situation underscores the vulnerability of flower markets to weather-related production challenges in key growing areas.