<p>The state government's decision to ban bouquets, garlands, fruit baskets and shawls from official functions may have earned widespread praise but it's receiving brickbats, too. </p>.<p>On Thursday, flower growers and sellers held a demonstration, arguing that the decision would make things harder for them. </p>.<p>South India Floriculture Association (SIFA) president T M Aravind said the government had given a "big shock" to farmers and floriculturists who were already in a dire state because of Covid. "They are on the verge of suicide because they aren't able to repay their loans," he added. </p>.<p>Srikanth Bellampalli, director, SIFA, said the decision would hit everyone, from flower growers and sellers (wholesalers and retailers) to bouquet makers. </p>.<p>"Flowers are being dumped on the streets because there is no demand. Marriages and other functions aren't taking place on a large scale. Where should we sell our flowers?” he said. Around 7,500 hectares of land is under flower cultivation in Karnataka, he added. </p>.<p>While the government gives farmers a subsidy to grow flowers, it has done little else to support the sector. For example, it hasn't banned the sale of plastic flowers, the protesters said. </p>
<p>The state government's decision to ban bouquets, garlands, fruit baskets and shawls from official functions may have earned widespread praise but it's receiving brickbats, too. </p>.<p>On Thursday, flower growers and sellers held a demonstration, arguing that the decision would make things harder for them. </p>.<p>South India Floriculture Association (SIFA) president T M Aravind said the government had given a "big shock" to farmers and floriculturists who were already in a dire state because of Covid. "They are on the verge of suicide because they aren't able to repay their loans," he added. </p>.<p>Srikanth Bellampalli, director, SIFA, said the decision would hit everyone, from flower growers and sellers (wholesalers and retailers) to bouquet makers. </p>.<p>"Flowers are being dumped on the streets because there is no demand. Marriages and other functions aren't taking place on a large scale. Where should we sell our flowers?” he said. Around 7,500 hectares of land is under flower cultivation in Karnataka, he added. </p>.<p>While the government gives farmers a subsidy to grow flowers, it has done little else to support the sector. For example, it hasn't banned the sale of plastic flowers, the protesters said. </p>
