Erode, Dec 3: Adverse climatic conditions like heavy mist has resulted in a sharp decline in jasmine production in Sathyamanangalam and nearby areas and prices touching a peak of Rs 1,200 per kg.
The price, which touched Rs 1,200 per kg on Sunday, came down by Rs 100 today, Sathyamangalam Flower Producers Association President P Murugesh said.
The crop is raised in over 50,000 acres in about 75 villages round Sathyamangalam, noted for jasmine cultivation.
Jasmine cultivators said heavy mist has affected the crop and expect production to continue to be low till February due to winter season.
Farmers harvest jasmine and bring it to the shandy run by the Sathyamangalam Flower Producers Association where they are sold to buyers all over the state and also from Karnataka.
Murugesh said 40 tonnes are sent every day from April to September to UAE and other Middle East countries by flights.
The quantity has come down to only 2.5 to three tonnes a day and so prices have increased to Rs 1200 a kg. Today, it decreased by 100 a kg,he said and said prices would remain at between Rs 1000 to Rs 1100 a kg till February. Last year also the prices touched Rs 1500 a kg.
