News Politics National Where have all the flowers gone? Demand peaks in Agra

Where have all the flowers gone? Demand peaks in Agra

Agra: The start of the marriage season, the perennial demand for use in religious purposes, coupled with a high-voltage election campaign has created a shortage of flowers in Agra, and the ones available have seen

"Everywhere we go, people present garlands to the netaji or throw rose petals on him," says Premendra Jain, campaigning for the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Ram Shankar Katheria.

Varieties like mogra (Arabian jasmine), gainda and the ever popular rose are in great demand.

"Gainda flower grown in abundance all around Agra is selling for minimum of Rs.50 a kilo. A fairly heavy rose flower garland costs around Rs.200. For star campaigners there is a demand for an 11 or 21 kilo garland.

Also bouquets are in great demand," says Anandi Lal of Rawat Para, near the Mankameshwar temple.

Rose petals are selling for Rs.150 to Rs.200 a kilo. Most political leaders like rose garlands which keep them fresh and fragrant. "Walking from door to door, meeting, hugging and shaking hands with all sorts of people, they want to remain fresh and cool, so then need rose garlands," political worker Ramesh told IANS.