High priced Jasmine flower loses its beauty

Chennai, Dec 3: This delicate beauty is shaking the market.

favourite Jasmine

has hit a high price of Rs 1200 kg.

Prolonged adverse climate like heavy mist has resulted in decline in jasmine production in Tamil Nadu's Sathyamangalam and nearby areas in Erode district. This has resulted in prices touching a peak of Rs 1,200 per kg. Jasmine plants need sunlight for at least four hours a day.

The flower is produced in over 50,000 acres in about 75 villages of Sathyamangalam, noted for jasmine cultivation. Jasmine cultivators said heavy mist has affected the crop. It is likely that production will continue to be low till February due to winter season.

Farmers harvest jasmine and bring it to the shandy run by the Sathyamangalam Flower Producers Association where they are sold to buyers all over the state and also from Karnataka.

Nearly, 40 tonnes are sent every day from April to September to UAE and other Middle East countries by flights. The quantity has now come down to just 2.5 to three tonnes a day and the prices have also increased to Rs 1200 a kg. Looks like it may hit last year's figure of Rs 1500 a kg.

The Jasmine oil is one of the most popular fragrant oil and very popular in hot Gulf countries. The Jasmine flower oil, extracted from the two species Jasminum Officinale and Grandiflorum, is used in high-grade perfumes and cosmetics such as creams, oils, soaps and shampoos. Its dried roots are used as a sedative in medicinal preparations.

OneIndia News