Bhatkal: Jasmines that grown in and around Bhatkal have not only found favour among the locals but have also touched shores aboard. They have also silently contributed in bridging the gap between different communities during religious ceremonies and rituals by their sheer fragrance.
White jasmines are widely grown in Hebale, Bengre, Shirali, Jali, Muttalli, Mavalli and Yalvadikavur villages in Bhatkal Taluk, hundreds of farm families grow these flowers and the cultivators receive yield till the end of May from November of the preceding year.
The jasmine growers do not cultivate this as a commercial crop but rely on organic farming and use a limited area of their agricultural land to obtain better yield. The jasmine crop fetches the growers’ additional income with little investment and all the family members usually get involved in trading these flowers in the market.
Though jasmines are grown widely in different parts of the state, Bhatkal jasmines have found favour among users on account of its salient features and fragrance.
These jasmines have great demand in the local markets of Bhatkal, Kumta, Honnavar and Karwar. In addition, they are being sent to Goa and exported to countries in the gulf to meet the growing needs of Indian expats and few Arabs.
The white fragrant flower is the favourite of the large Muslim community in Bhatkal as they use them in abundance during wedding, birthdays and other important occasions. People flock markets to buy jasmines and pay a hefty price. On festive occasions, growers fail to meet the demand as people from all religions rush to get their favourite fragrant flowers, despite sky-rocketing prices.
On the flip-side, life has not been easy for growers as they suffer losses when diseases strike plants. In some cases, the leaves turn yellow and start withering resulting in reduced yield and in few other cases plants’ bite.
Laxmi Gonda, a grower in Bhatkal summarised her business by saying that losses incurred are more compared to profits, on most occasions. The rich fragrance of Bhatkal jasmine spreading against odds is the only consolation, she added.
