Pune nurseries lose 10-15% of plants to heat

Garden nurseries in Pune are struggling due to a sudden rise in temperatures, leading to a loss of 10-15% of seasonal plants like zinnias and petunias. Many nurseries faced challenges in providing shade and managing labor costs. Labor costs have doubled, making it difficult for nurseries to maintain operations. Some owners report losing entire batches of plants and are unable to hire enough workers, as many have left for better-paying jobs in construction. Customers are hesitant to place orders, postponing purchases until cooler months. This uncertainty is impacting sales, and some small nurseries are considering shutting down due to the financial strain.