Over 100 MLAs Back Rohit Patil’s Signature Drive Against Artificial Flowers In Maharashtra

Last Updated:July 17, 2025, 09:23 IST

The Tasgaon-Kavathe Mahankal MLA said the widespread use of plastic flowers has impacted the prices of natural flowers as farmers are forced to sell their produce at low rates

MLA Rohit Patil has demanded an immediate ban on artificial plastic flowers in the state. (News18)

In a major move to support flower farmers in Maharashtra, Tasgaon-Kavathe Mahankal MLA Rohit Patil has demanded an immediate ban on artificial plastic flowers in the state. Patil met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with a letter highlighting how plastic flowers are harming the livelihood of farmers who grow real flowers.

To strengthen his demand, Patil started a signature campaign in the state assembly. As many as 105 MLAs from both ruling and opposition parties signed in support of his request, showing rare unity on the issue. Patil explained that the widespread use of plastic flowers has severely impacted the prices of natural flowers in the market. Due to this, farmers are forced to sell their produce at very low rates, which pushes them into financial trouble.

Patil’s letter pointed out that just like the government banned plastic bags to protect the environment, a similar ban on plastic flowers is now the need of the hour. Many farmers in the state have turned to flower cultivation as an alternative to grapes and other fruit crops. However, high costs for pesticides, labour, and transport make flower farming expensive. When plastic flowers flood the market, real flowers cannot compete on price, causing huge losses to farmers.

The MLA stressed that plastic flowers not only harm farmers’ incomes but also pose risks to the environment and public health. He urged the chief minister to immediately hold a meeting with horticulture minister Bharat Gogawale and environment minister Pankaja Munde to find a quick solution.

Responding positively, Fadnavis assured Patil that a meeting will soon be organised with both ministers to discuss banning plastic flowers and protecting the interests of flower farmers.

The campaign has brought hope to thousands of farmers who depend on flower cultivation for their livelihood. If the government acts swiftly, Maharashtra could become the first state to take concrete steps to curb the use of artificial flowers and promote real, farmer-grown flowers instead.

News politics Over 100 MLAs Back Rohit Patil’s Signature Drive Against Artificial Flowers In Maharashtra