Jasmine and Flower Farming

How jasmine grown around Madurai and in Karnataka supplies garlands and perfume, the daily flower markets, and how prices swing with festivals and weddings.

Jasmine is India’s most loved flower.

Madurai Malli

Madurai malli (jasmine) has a GI tag.

Uses

Garlands and hair decorations.
Temples.
Perfume extracts (jasmine concrete).

Markets

Daily flower markets start before dawn; flowers must sell quickly.

Price swings

Prices soar during festivals and weddings and crash in slow seasons.

Perfume

Jasmine extract from India is used in global perfumes.

Farmers

Picking is labour-intensive, done early morning.

The festival price

Jasmine prices in Madurai jump many times over just before a festival.

Thinking flower prices are stable

They swing with festivals.

Key takeaways

Madurai malli has a GI tag.
Jasmine goes into garlands and perfume.
Prices swing with festivals.
Picking is labour-intensive.