Jasmine, which finds its way to the Gulf market from Bangalore, is now turning a problem from growers as its price has dived to a record low of ₹60 a kg.

Jasmine is cultivated on over 25,000 acres of land in Sathyamangalam, Rajan Nagar, Kothamangalam, Pudupeerkadavu, Chikkarasampalayam and twenty other hamlets in Tamil Nadu’s Erode district.

On an average, 15 tonnes of jasmine arrive at the Sathyamangalam private market run by the Sathyamangalam Flower Merchants Association.

Muthuswamy, President of the Association, told Business Line that on Monday, 10 tonnes of jasmine arrived for sale and fetched ₹100 a kg.

However, on Tuesday 12-13 tonnes of jasmine arrived and they were sold at ₹60 a kg. All the 12 tonnes were sold.

Farmers are unhappy over the low price and say that they have to pay more for engaging skilled labourers. Jasmine was also sold at ₹60 a kg in Anthiyur as well.

Mullai , another fragrance flower of the Jasmine family, is also selling at a low ₹22 a kg against ₹100 a few days ago.

Farmers said some growers may sell their produce to a perfume factory near Mettupalayam, but the factory is not buying mullai .

Both the mullai and jasmine growers said the Tamil Nadu Government should arrange to produce flowers during the lean seasons or start a perfume factory at Sathyamangalam.

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