Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Apr 17: Shankarapura near Katapady is well known for its jasmine flowers which have high demand. However, under attack from coronavirus, several things have changed, and for the Shankarapura jasmine cultivators, the days are no more the same. Battered by the advances of the pandemic the jasmine has taken a huge beating.

Shankarapura jasmines are known as the flowers which command prices of gold. Now, its price has suddenly slid down in the market, leaving the farmers devastated. Shankarapura jasmine, which is not only famous in the district but also in Mumbai and other cities, is so much in demand that the people cannot imagine functions and temple procedures without their formidable presence.

Jasmines are used freely in temple festivals, Naga Pua, Dakkebali, Bhoota Kola, marriage and other programmes. For the last two years, the price of this jasmine had touched a level of Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 per Atte (four bunches of artistically woven jasmine garlands).

Now, this price has collapsed to Rs 150 per Atte. On one hand, because of coronavirus, functions have become very less. At the same time, production has gone up, and exports to Mumbai and foreign countries have stopped. As a result of these developments, the flower commands a nominal price now, which does not even cover the cost of cultivation and labour involved with the making of the garlands.