The Kerala government had issued a ban on selling f flowers from outer states. As a result of this, Rs.5 crore worth of flower trade is likely to be affected in Coimbatore.
Coimbatore: The Kerala government had issued a ban on selling f flowers from outer states. As a result of this, Rs.5 crore worth of flower trade is likely to be affected in Coimbatore.
Onam is a day of joyous festivities for the people of Kerala similar to the Pongal celebrations in Tamilnadu. This year Onam is set to be celebrated on August 31. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the celebrations cannot be conducted this year. The Kerala government has advised the people to celebrate the festival in a simple manner at their homes.
People from Kerala reside in Chennai, Coimbatore and Kanyakumari in large numbers. Due to this, these districts have announced local holidays for Onam.
Most of the flowers and vegetables for Onam celebrations in Kerala are sent from Coimbatore, Dindigul, Madurai and Salem. However, due to the COVID-19 situation, the Kerala government has banned flowers from other states being brought into Kerala. As a result of this, the situation of farmers who harvested flowers for the Onam celebrations has become questionable.
Speaking about this, the Tamilnadu Farmers Association District President S. Palanisamy said, "Plenty of flowers including marigold, jasmine, lotus, globe amaranth and lily have been harvested for Onam festival in Coimbatore and other districts in Tamilnadu. Usually, 2,000 tonnes of flowers are transported from Tamilnadu during the Onam festival. Similarly, vegetables such as cabbage, carrot, and potatoes are also sent to Kerala and trade worth Rs.300 crores takes place."
He added, "This year, however, due to the announcement of the Kerala government trade is likely to be affected. While the flower traders have been expectant about the trade of flowers for the Onam festival, this ban by the Kerala government is likely to cause a loss of Rs.5 crores to the farmers of Coimbatore district."
He then requested, "The TN CM must hold talks with the Kerala government and revoke the ban immediately. Arrangements must be made for the farmers to get back at least the cost of cultivation of the flowers."