Prayagraj: The scorching sun is leaving its adverse impact on rose flower cultivation in trans-Yamuna belt in city. Rose flowers fade in colour due to intense heat leading to significant losses for local farmers.Experts claimed that intense heat has caused rapid dehydration, stunting bud development, and fading of petals. As the mercury rises, the size of flowers become smaller, and its colors washes out and the plant enters in a survival mode.Farmers asserted that under extreme sunlight, rose blooms lose their vibrancy and become brittle. Harvesting them without damage is nearly impossible. The trans-Yamuna region, which serves as a major rose basket, is currently facing low production, leading to drop in domestic supplies and high market prices.Agriculture experts pointed out that prolonged heatwaves exceeding more than 40°C often lead to burnt foliage, bud drop, and vulnerability to pest attacks. However, farmers engaged in rose cultivation are being advised for morning irrigation and mulching technique to protect their crops.Raj Kumar, a flower vendor at Naini flower market said, “ The prices of roses has gone up manifold due to intense heat, and low crop production in entire trans-Yamuna belt”. He admitted the size of roses has reduced and are being sold on higher prices. “ Earlier, a basket of rose was sold out Rs 400-450 but now it is now being sold Rs 750 or above”, said Radhe, another vendor adding that low production of crop and higher prices have left many vendors to opt for other flowers like marigold and jasmine.The chaka and karchana blocks of the district are key hub for rose production. With rose crop being affected, traders dealing in flower business are currently bringing roses from Varanasi and Kolkata. The scorching sun has slashed production by 50% per bigha. Farmers are running from pillar to post to protect their crops and seeking experts help to chalk out strategic irrigation. Majority of farmers grow roses in open fields and the number of the farmers using polyhouses for rose production is limited.
