Chennai: In a significant blow to consumers in Kerala, the price of jasmine has surged to over Rs 4500 per kilogram in Tamil Nadu. This steep price hike is attributed to several factors, with the most significant being the damage caused to jasmine crops by heavy rainfall and the subsequent cyclone in the region.
Jasmine is predominantly cultivated in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, which have faced severe weather conditions recently. Cyclone Fengal brought continuous rains that caused widespread destruction to jasmine crops, damaging vast expanses of the harvest. The situation has led to a significant reduction in the availability of jasmine, triggering a sharp increase in prices.
Additionally, the timing of the price surge coincides with the peak wedding season in Tamil Nadu, further driving up demand for jasmine. December is one of the months when jasmine flowers are in high demand due to various cultural and religious occasions. As a result, the price is expected to remain elevated until January, continuing to impact both traders and customers. With the reduced harvest and ongoing demand, it is unclear when prices will stabilize.
This price surge is creating challenges for consumers, especially in neighboring states like Kerala, where jasmine is a key part of cultural and religious practices. As the wedding season continues, the shortage is likely to impact not only daily consumers but also vendors who rely on jasmine for various ceremonies. Experts suggest that unless there is a significant improvement in weather conditions or a new harvest comes in, the prices are likely to remain high, affecting both supply and affordability for many. The jasmine market in Tamil Nadu and beyond will likely continue to face these pressures for the coming weeks, making it a challenging period for both buyers and sellers.
