Pandemic hits flower growers, supply chain

Sumit Hakhoo

Tribune News service

Jammu, April 1

Thousands of flower growers and people engaged in the distribution chain have been hit due to the Covid-19 crisis as the lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus has closed everything in Jammu and Kashmir.

With temples, hotels closed and the Navratra celebrations cancelled, growers have not been able to sell their produce, which is highly perishable. The business is of about Rs 10 crore during the festival season.

There are 700 registered growers in Jammu region alone and nearly 3,000 in the UT. Flowers and high-value vegetable grower of poly houses are badly affected due to the closure of restaurants, hotels and worship places.

It is estimated that more than 1,000 hectares is under the cultivation of different varieties of flowers particularly marigold, jasmine, aster, rose, chrysanthemum and tuberose in J&K which provide employment to thousands of people.

Although the government has taken measures to ensure vegetables being essential commodity of daily use are allowed to reach people, flowers mostly used in religious and other social events, have no other use.

“Farmers usually wait for the festival season as they expect good sale. But his year Covid-19 has destroyed the sector. Cultivators are very afraid and what awaits them in future”, said Tajinder Singh wazir, president, Kissan council.