Gundlupet: With flower prices shooting up in Karnataka’s wholesale markets, Keralites will have to spend more on flower carpets (pookalam) this Onam season. Heavy rains that damaged crops, coupled with reduced cultivation in the past few years when Onam celebrations were muted, have driven demand unusually high. Last year, the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide meant no flower carpets in Wayanad and Kozhikode, while incessant rains in 2023 dampened the festivities.

Driving through Gundlupet, the Karnataka border town just 50 km from Sulthan Bathery, one cannot miss the vast stretches of marigolds (chendumalli), chrysanthemums, and sunflowers in full bloom, offering a visual treat.

Prices doubled
Market sources say flower rates have nearly doubled. Some varieties have crossed ₹300 per kg, compared to around ₹160 last year. The spike was driven by overlapping demand from Ganesh Chathurthi (August 27) and Atham (August 26). Prices are expected to ease slightly in the coming days.

According to farmer Manikantan P of Beranpady, flower harvests are at their final stage and fields will be bare after Onam. “Paint companies buy flowers at just ₹10 a kg throughout the year, but for the Onam market we get up to ₹40,” he told Onmanorama.

Selfie stops
Rows of Kerala-registered vehicles line Gundlupet roads as visitors stop to admire the fields and take selfies. The gardens have also become a tourist attraction, with farmers charging an entry fee between ₹20 and ₹50. On peak days, up to 500 people visit, said Vishnu, a Plus Two student who helps his parents manage the crowds. “But this year, only a few flower fields are left,” he added.

Prices touch new highs in Kerala
According to Sulthan Bathery trader Lalu, even at Mysore’s wholesale market, marigold prices touched ₹100 on Monday. In Kerala, globe amaranth fetched as much as ₹400 a kg on Tuesday, while marigold yellow sold at ₹160 and marigold orange at ₹80.

“Retailers hesitate to stock in bulk because it is hard to sell at such high prices,” Lalu said. For farmers, however, the season has brought rare prosperity, with nearly double the usual earnings.