Nashik: Wholesale prices of marigold doubled from Rs 100-200 per crate on Saturday to Rs 500 on Sunday, owing to lower supply and higher demand.The marigold prices have increased to Rs 500 per crate (one crate weighs 4kg) due to drop in supply as compared to demand. We are expecting the prices to increase till Rs 600 per crate for Diwali Padwa. I sold around 100 crates for Laxmi pujan on Sunday at Rs 500 per crate, said Subhash Malode, a farmer.On the same festive day last year, marigold flowers were sold at Rs 250 a crate. Apart from Diwali, the flowers were in good demand during Dasara last month. However, that period saw a huge supply of marigold flowers compared to demand, leading to very low wholesale prices of Rs 100-150 per crate. In response to the price collapse, disappointed farmers threw marigolds on the roads and uprooted marigold flower plantations.We also published the following articles recentlyHindalco misses Q2 profit view on lower prices, demandHindalco Industries, one of Indias largest aluminium and copper producers, reported a lower-than-expected quarterly profit due to weak aluminium prices and demand. The companys net profit for the three-month period ending September 30 fell to 21.96 billion rupees ($263.33 million), compared to 22.05 billion rupees the previous year. Average aluminium and zinc prices also dropped in the quarter. However, Hindalcos copper business saw a 30% increase in revenue due to higher metal shipments.PHED mulls extra water supply to meet additional demand on DiwaliEngineers of the Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED) in Jaipur are making arrangements to meet the increased demand for water supply during Diwali. They plan to increase the supply of water tankers and pipeline water across the city. However, they require permission from the election commission due to the ongoing elections. The district collector has instructed PHED to deploy water tankers at selected locations during festival days, and engineers are working to ensure additional manpower is available.Fuelled by demand, dry fruit prices up by 10-20%The prices of cashews, almonds, dried dates, and pistachios have increased by 10-20% since last Diwali due to high demand this year. Dry fruit sellers in Pune are reporting higher orders and customers for dry fruit boxes for gifting purposes. The demand for dried dates has gone up as they are being used as a substitute for sugar in sweets and desserts. Edible seeds like pumpkin and sunflower seeds are also gaining popularity. E-commerce websites are also experiencing a higher demand for dry fruit boxes during the festive season.

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