Flower market heats up as COVID-19 outbreak cools in Yunnan

As the COVID-19 outbreak takes a turn for the better in China, business in Kunming Dounan Flower Market, Asia's largest fresh-cut flower market, is also heating up.

However, the prices and demand are lower compared to the same period last year. "I have sold more than 100 bouquets and more than 100 potted flowers today, about one-third less than during the same period last year," said Zhao Meicong, a flower vendor.

"The number of traders is about 80 percent of last year, and the market supply is only 70 percent," said Zhang Rui from the market.

The COVID-19 outbreak has plunged many flower farmers into difficulty as the markets were closed. Many of them have begun selling their products online or entrusting sales to network platforms.

In order to mitigate the losses, the local agricultural and rural affairs department has tried some technical measures to postpone the growth rate and flowering period.

"We have selected some good products and turned them into preserved flowers, hence their selling period can last three to five years,” said Lu Jiliang, a staff member of the Yunnan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.