Marigold prices in Mumbai could rise sharply before Diwali after heavy rainfall damaged flower crops in Baramati and parts of Pune, with vendors at Dadar flower market expecting rates to climb from the current Rs 80 per kg to as much as Rs 120 per kg.
The affected areas received more than 100 mm of rain on November 2, according to a report by Mid-Day. The rainfall damaged marigold plants through rot and physical damage, raising concerns about the supply reaching Mumbai’s wholesale and retail markets during the festival period.
Vendors said the immediate impact had not yet fully reached Dadar market. Supply was still described as usual, and prices varied according to flower quality, vendor and bargaining. However, sellers said the market could change over the next two days as damaged crops reduce arrivals and festival demand increases.
Rohit Jadhav, a vendor at Dadar flower market, said the usual price was currently Rs 80 per kg, although customers buying early in the morning could sometimes negotiate rates of Rs 60 or Rs 70. He said prices were not fixed and depended on the day’s market conditions.
Rohit Gupta, another vendor, said marigold prices were volatile even without crop damage. He said flowers had sometimes sold for Rs 20 per kg, indicating the wide fluctuations that can occur in the market depending on supply and demand.
Vittal Pawar, who mainly sells marigolds at Dadar, said the best flowers had been available at Rs 60 per kg two days before the report, but the rate increased to Rs 80 after the rainfall. He said the market was still receiving its usual supply, but expected prices to cross Rs 100 per kg if the effect of the crop damage became more pronounced.
The reported increase is also linked to the seasonal demand for marigolds. The flowers are widely used for household decoration, religious offerings and market displays during Diwali, creating a short period in which demand can rise rapidly. Vendors said that higher demand combined with lower arrivals could push the price towards Rs 120 per kg.
Rahul Raut, another Dadar flower market vendor, said the festival had already increased demand while the rain had created concerns about shortages. He said the market remained difficult to predict because prices could change quickly as new supplies arrived.
Dhanraj Raut, a seasonal vendor, said the best flowers were being sold at different rates by different sellers, ranging from Rs 60 to Rs 80 per kg. He expected prices to cross Rs 120 per kg if crop damage significantly affected incoming supplies.
The next two days are expected to indicate whether the reported crop losses translate into a sustained price increase in Mumbai. For consumers, the final Diwali rate will depend on the quantity and quality of marigolds arriving at Dadar market and the strength of festival demand.
