Local farmers, as well as citizen groups under the banner of Hindu Ekta Sangh, set up stalls in Margao to sell flower garlands at reasonable rates. Captured by : Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
Marigold flowers from across the state’s southern borders made a big presence in the commercial capital on the eve of the Dussehra festival, but locals, including farmers and citizens, also rose to the occasion by marketing locally grown flowers to break the monopoly of outstation traders.
In the bargain, customers were looking forward to a drop in the price of marigold flowers. A garland of marigold flowers was offered by Hubli traders at the Margao KTC bus stand for Rs 50. As they faced competition from local farmers and groups, the price of a garland dropped to Rs 40 later in the evening.
Unlike in the past, one could not come across the usual rush of Hubli traders with marigold flowers in the commercial capital. While the outstation traders did make their presence felt in the city, their numbers were significantly fewer this year. The Hubli traders attributed the reduced turnout to adverse weather conditions back home, with rains destroying marigold flower cultivation.
Meanwhile, members of the Hindu Ekta Sangh set up a stall near the Old Margao Bus Stand close to the Gomant Vidya Niketan to sell marigold flowers.
Members of the Sangh, led by Deepak Desai, pointed out that the stall was set up to ensure people could access marigold flowers at a reasonable rate.
“When marigold flowers are being sold for Rs 70 per garland, we have sold a flower garland for Rs 50. Our stock is totally exhausted. We will decide whether to open the stall on Thursday as well after discussions with committee members,” Desai said.
