Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Sep 4: Jasmine grown in Shankarapura of the district is world renowned for its fragrance. However, the price has reached the sky during this festive season.

Due to the recently held Lord Ganesha festival, the price of Jasmine has touched a record high of Rs 2100 per stack on the fifth consecutive day. In the retail market the flower is sold at Rs 2250. Jasmine is sold in Chendu and Atte count. One Chendu Jasmine garland will contain 800 Jasmine buds. Four garlands of this type are called as Atte. This means the price of 3200 buds of Jasmine is quoted at Rs 2500 in the current festive season.

But public is willing to pay this price for Shankarapura Jasmine as there is no other Jasmine variety which is so fragrant. Only when Shankarapura Jasmine is not available does Bhatkal Jasmine get procured. At present, Bhatkal Jasmine is quoted at Rs 1530.

Shankarapura jasmine is exported to Dubai, in addition to Mumbai, where people of coastal Karnataka live in large numbers. Shankarapura is situated in Kaup taluk of the district. The quality of mud in this area is the reason for the fragrant smell of the Jasmine. It has got GI tag also.

As Navaratri festival will arrive in a few weeks time, there is a possibility that the demand for Shankarapura Jasmine will rise further. If it rains further, the yield will be less. So the rates will go further high. The rate of Jasmine is decided in some spots in Shankarapura as per tradition.