Jasmine is losing its fragrance with prices plunging to a record low in Tamil Nadu’s Erode district.

Sathyamangalam is known for jasmine cultivation and sales. The flower is cultivated in over 25,000 acres in Kothamangalam, Pudubeerkadavu, Sikkarasampalayam, Rajannagar, Vadavalli, and also in about 20 villages.

Farmers have been taking risks to grow the plant; even during the severe summer, farmers tried their best to save the crop by paying huge sums for water.

They were able to get more than 10 tonnes of jasmine but could sell for ₹200-400 a kg, with buyers from Karnataka and Kerala purchasing the flower for exports to the UAE.

A couple of days ago, farmers harvested 30 tonnes of jasmine and sold 15 tonnes to factories producing perfume in Mettupalayam and other places for a lower price.

The remaining 15 tonnes were brought to the Sathyamangalam flower market and was sold at a public auction.

Trend to continue

SK Muthuswamy, President of the market, said jasmine was sold on Monday at ₹40 a kg and all 15 tonnes were sold.

On Wednesday, the flower fetched ₹30 only, a record low. All the 20 tonnes on offer were sold. He said the trend is likely to continue for another ten days as the production could rise to over 35 tonnes and at least 25 tonnes will arrive in the market.

He said jasmine fetched ₹1,200 a few months ago and sales were encouraging. But now even with marriage season starting, prices are still low. Mullai, another fragrance flower, also sells at a lowprice.

On Wednesday morning, it was sold at ₹20 a kg and subsequently fell to ₹15. Growers have urged the Government to procure jasmine during the flood season for a nominal price, and to set up a perfume manufacturing factory near Sathyamangalam.

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