As summer blooms, flower business glooms

Many flower vendors have closed down or reduced their businesses with the advent of scorching summer season which has affected supplies, demand, prices and the flower-life in the provincial metropolis.
Most of the Punjab University flower shops at Bhakewal Morr and other areas have been closed by vendors while the quantity at flower shops has also decreased manifold owing to the harsh weather.
People also opt for alternate modes of salutation and greeting since the quality of flowers is not as good as it was during the winter months.
According to a recent survey, the intense summer heat during the months of June and July takes the toll of flower production from Pattoki (Punjab) as the production cuts to the minimum and the vendors have to depend on supplies from Balakot (AJ&K) during the summer in Punjab.
The prices also go up considerably as the supplies come from farther away and the demand decreases enormously while flowers wither early than usual.
Muhammad Akram, a vendor at PU flower shops, attributed the pattern to other factors as well, adding that lack of demand also contributes to the minimum supplies during the two months.
“The end of marriage season and other festivities during the summer months also diminishes the demand by the vendors” he added.
He admitted that prices go up a little but complained of fewer customers during these two months.
He said most of the part-timers in the business also had to close their stalls as it was difficult to preserve flowers during these months when the skies pelt fire and life comes to a stand-still. The flower-vendor said the business would return in August – during the last days of the holy month of Ramadhan and the advent of Eid-ul-Fitr.