Prayagraj: Rose prices have surged manifold due to delayed production following unusually cold winter conditions amid strong demand in the ongoing wedding season and approaching festival of Mahashivratri and Valentine’s Day.In early February, retail rates in Sangam have already reached Rs 450–Rs 550 per 20 roses, nearly double the rates of last year. The flower traders admitted that current price surge was largely the result of tight domestic supply. The trans-Yamuna pocket of Prayagraj is known as a rose belt, however, flower cultivators asserted that winter was colder in 2025 than 2024, slowing plant growth and delaying peak harvesting cycles, particularly inside greenhouses. As a result, full-scale production was yet to begin, restricting market availability at a time when demand was traditionally high.“The cold delayed production this year. Flowers are still standing in greenhouses and are not ready. This reduced availability,” said Madhukar, a seller. The demand-supply gap also led to rise in prices due to which decorators had to move to neighbouring districts and states to meet the demand.In 2024, warmer winter conditions led to early production, easing availability in the first half of February. This year, flower growers also planned staggered production to avoid oversupply, but intense cold in December slowed output, growers asserted.Meanwhile, traders claimed a few Indian rose varieties continued to attract steady overseas interest, supported by competitive pricing and improved quality.A Meja-based grower said, “Quality was always a key factor to attract exporters. There is high demand for Indian rose varieties, supported by improved quality due to favourable winter conditions. Clear weather helped growers achieve better stem length and better colour,” he said. He further said demand remained strong for both red roses and coloured varieties, with exporters operating year-round and handling large orders. However, if the current trend continues, prices during Valentine’s Day could become more expensive per bundle.
