Plastic varieties replace natural flowers in Kerala, TN: Hosur farmers in lurch

Such large scale use of plastic flowers has also lowered demand for natural flowers grown in Hosur, the largest flower producing district of Tamil Nadu, say flower growers. “Tamil Nadu, next only to Kerala has become one of the largest consumers of plastic flowers imported from China. This demand is particularly high during Onam,” said Bala Siva Prasad, president of Hosur Small Farmers Association.

The import of plastic flowers has grown manifold in the last few years. “The quantum of plastic flowers imported from China into India, which stood at 20 lakh kg in 2016 has increased to 35 lakh kg in 2017 and more than doubled to 75 lakh kg in 2018. By 2022, the import may reach up to 100 lakh kg,” he said. The plastic flowers come in various hues, are cost-effective and can be reused multiple times. Hence, flower export to Kerala, where the demand for flower peaks particularly during Onam celebrations, has been witnessing a gradual slowdown.

“After Valentine’s Day, it’s the Onam season which brings a bumper fortune for hundreds of farmers in Hosur region. Unfortunately, a farmer who owns one acre of land, faced a loss of Rs 15 lakhs due to plastic flowers. Prices of natural flowers have also dropped by 50 per cent. Hence, import of these single use plastic flowers should be banned to revive fortunes of flower producers. We have raised the issue with both the State and Central governments,” said Prasad said.

Despite plastic flowers throwing up a challenge to natural ones, flower growers sounded positive about business this festival season. “Last year, there was nil movement of flowers from Hosur due to flooding in Kerala resulting in a low-key Onam. But things are better this time around as people are in a mood to celebrate. Previous years, however, were even better and flowers fetched good prices,” said M Krishnan, who runs Sri Krishna Floritech in Hosur.

Flower producers claimed that continuous drizzles at the time of harvest had damaged and deteriorated quality of flowers, which failed to be sold for a remunerative price. From Hosur, upto 25 lakh tonnes of loose flowers and another 10 lakh tonne of cut flowers were parcelled off to Kerala in the last five days till Sunday. Another five lakh tonne of flowers was sent to the neighbouring state on Onam day. Marigold and Chrysanthemum were harvested in about 5,000 acres of land in and around Hosur for Onam. Besides the domestic market, flower exports for Onam have also gained momentum this festival season. “Flowers are mainly sent to Middle East countries like Dubai, Muscat, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, where Malayalees live in large numbers. Upto 60 tonnes of flowers were exported to these countries in the last four days alone,” said K Sethumadhavan of Vanguard Exports in Coimbatore.

“Orders for flower imports from Middle East countries were good, but the demand could not be met out due to lack of an exclusive air cargo. Flowers had to be flown only in the minimum cargo space available in passenger flights. Hence they could not be sent in bulk,” he added.