Mangaluru, May 11: Areca flowers (Hingaara), an essential element in the religious rituals and Daiva Aradhane of Tulunadu, are facing a severe shortage in the current market. As this is the peak season for Daiva Kolas, Nemas, Thambila, and various pujas, the demand has skyrocketed while the supply remains dismal, causing prices to reach record highs.
There is a visible lack of quality in the flowers currently arriving at the market, with most being either split or overgrown. In the wholesale market, a single areca flower is priced between 400 and 420, while retail prices have touched 450. Traders lamented that out of an order for 150 flowers, only about 25 to 30 are being delivered.
Sold for 500 in Kundapura
Areca flowers arriving from Bhatkal are being sold in Kundapura before they can reach Mangaluru. Last week, at the Saturday, May 9, market in Kundapura, the price per flower reached 500. Due to higher local prices and immediate cash payments, traders in that region are hesitant to send stocks to Mangaluru.
A similar price hike was witnessed about five years ago due to a shortage during the summer event season. Now, a similar situation has recurred with high demand and low availability.
Harvesting costs 25 per flower
Harvesting areca flowers has become an economic burden for growers, compounded by the scarcity of skilled tree climbers. It costs 25 to harvest a single flower. Owners noted that reaching the top of the tree and delicately cutting the flower requires significant effort and time.
Demand until Pattanaaje
According to the Hindu calendar, religious ceremonies and Daiva events will conclude after 'Pattanaaje,' after which the demand is expected to crash. Supply will then be abundant, and prices are likely to drop significantly.
Flower prices also on the rise
Along with areca flowers, the availability of Kakada Jasmine, Sevanthige, Jasmine, and Kanakambara has also decreased. Increased weddings and auspicious events, coupled with water scarcity and unseasonal rains in Tumakuru, Kunigal, and Bengaluru, have led to lower yields and higher prices.
Why local farmers hesitate
Despite the abundance of areca plantations in Dakshina Kannada, the shortage persists. With areca nuts fetching good prices, farmers are reluctant to pluck the flowers. There is a concern that harvesting flowers after January hampers the next year's crop yield. Furthermore, while local flowers are often clumped, customers prefer the crisp, separated flowers from Bhatkal. Although stocks from Pune have entered the market, customers are avoiding them due to poor quality.
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