The international demand for cut flowers has seemingly dropped as a result of the fall in tourism. Thailand, the top exporter of orchids, has been forced to start throwing out the popular flower.
Orchids are a symbol of hospitality. They are used in hotels, restaurants, and for celebrations around the world as a sign of welcoming. However, the demand has tanked since hotels and businesses across the world have closed their doors on account of the coronavirus.
According to Bloomberg, Sompong Thaveesuk, the vice president of the Thai Orchids Garden Enterprise Association, claimed that millions of orchids are being cut and thrown out as the demand has decreased about 95%.
‘There are barely any buyers, and even if we wanted to export flowers, we couldn’t do it because most of the passenger flights, which usually carry them, have been cancelled’, said Thaveesuk.
The million dollar industry has essentially come to a standstill. Orchid growers in Thailand employ about 50 000 people. Thus far, they have managed to keep afloat and are working on ensuring that the farms are running.
Bloomberg reported that these farms remain hopeful, and are keeping their produce fresh and ready for when they demand rises again. However, with the number of coronavirus cases only increasing, orchid farmers and exporters may still have a long way to go.
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