The effect of coronavirus was also seen on flower exports

Mumbai, Ta. 25 December 2020, Friday

The country's flower exporters could not be spared from the effects of coronavirus. In addition to declining exports of flowers for Christmas and New Year, exporters are being hit twice by rising export costs.

Demand for this specialty has grown significantly as a result of recent corporate scandals. In addition to the sluggish demand abroad, shipping flowers abroad is becoming more expensive this year due to the increase in air freight rates. Exports have also been affected by the disruption of airlines due to the Corona. As the flower withers quickly, it has to be shipped by plane.

Rental rates for perishable items such as flowers have more than doubled since the outbreak of the coronavirus. From Bengaluru and Pune, the rates for flowers in European countries, which used to be Rs 5 to 20 per kg, are now rising to Rs 510 to Rs 6 per kg.

Freight rates have risen sharply not only in Europe but also in South Africa and Asia. It would not be wrong to say that exports to the UK have come to a complete standstill due to cancellation of flights just before Christmas, said one exporter.

"We are worried that not only the Christmas and New Year's trade but also the Valentine's Day trade will be disrupted," he added. Inquiries for Valentine's Day usually start during this period but are also currently stalled, said an official of the Indian Society of Floriculture Professionals.

As the demand for flowers has declined, many people have started growing vegetables in its place. This is because in addition to the decline in demand abroad this year, the slowdown in the domestic wedding season also had a serious impact on the flower trade.