Madurai Flower Exporters Seek Government Support to Boost Malli Export
Madurai’s iconic Malligai (jasmine) flowers, which have long been synonymous with the district’s identity, are facing market instability due to fluctuating prices. Farmers and traders are now urging the government to step in and provide assistance to stabilize and boost the market for Malli export.
With nearly 6,000 hectares of land dedicated to jasmine cultivation in Madurai and other southern districts, the demand for Madurai Malli is significant. However, in recent times, the prices of these flowers have been experiencing constant fluctuations. One day, the price per kilogram could skyrocket to 3,000 rupees, while the next day it could plummet to as low as 250 rupees. This inconsistency is creating uncertainty and financial difficulties for the farmers and traders.
Marudhupandian, a traditional jasmine farmer from Usilampatti, highlighted the time and manual labor involved in the entire process of harvesting and packing Malli flowers. Although prices are decent during auspicious days, the rest of the year leaves farmers unsure about receiving a fair price for their harvest. Lately, prices have been fluctuating between 500 and 300 rupees per kilogram. Farmers are hopeful that actions will be taken to stabilize the market and ensure better compensation for their hard work.
The president of the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Dr. N Jegatheesan, shared that over three tonnes of flowers are exported daily to international markets. However, to cater to the demands of industrial procurement, production needs to be increased. Currently, factories can only procure jasmine for about 100 days each year due to high prices during periods of high demand. To address this issue, the state government’s Mission Madurai Malli initiative could help increase the availability of Malli throughout the year, benefitting both domestic and international trade.
S Ramachandran, an exporter of flowers and the president of the Mattuthavani Flower Market Vendors’ Association, emphasized the challenges faced by international jasmine traders, including pest issues and logistics. Exported jasmine often gets rejected due to the presence of pests, so resolving this issue is crucial. Furthermore, improving logistics by increasing international cargo services from Madurai would enhance flower exports while reducing transportation costs. Currently, exporters must travel to Chennai airport or neighboring states to access air cargo services for transporting their products.
According to official sources from the horticulture department, the Mission Madurai Malli project is currently in its Detailed Project Report (DPR) stages, indicating that action is underway to address these issues.
In conclusion, Madurai’s Malli flower exporters and jasmine farmers are urging the government to intervene and provide support to stabilize the market, boost production, resolve pest issues, and improve logistics for international trade. The proposed Mission Madurai Malli initiative could prove instrumental in achieving these goals. By addressing these challenges, the government has the opportunity to promote a thriving Malli export industry and secure the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and traders in the region.
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