NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Patil's campaign to ban artificial flowers in Maharashtra has garnered significant momentum, with over 100 legislators backing his initiative. Patil, a first-time MLA representing the Tasgaon-Kavathe Mahankal constituency, submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging the government to consider a ban on artificial flowers to protect the interests of local flower farmers.

The memorandum, signed by 105 legislators, highlights the detrimental impact of artificial flowers on the floriculture industry and seeks assurance of fair prices for flower-producing farmers. Patil emphasized the urgent need for government intervention, requesting an immediate meeting to discuss the proposed ban and the establishment of fair pricing mechanisms.

The growing market for artificial flowers in urban centers like Aurangabad, Mumbai, and Pune has exacerbated the challenges faced by natural flower growers. Maharashtra, a leading flower-producing state since pioneering floriculture and horticulture policies in the 1990s, has witnessed a decline in its floriculture economy due to the influx of cheap, synthetic alternatives.

During a recent Assembly debate, legislators raised concerns about the harmful effects of artificial flowers on public health, the environment, and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. Shiv Sena MLA Mahesh Shinde pointed out the presence of toxic substances like titanium dioxide in artificial flowers, which pose serious health risks. He also noted that some European countries have already banned plastic flowers.

The call for a ban has found support across party lines, with Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Kailas Patil, Congress leader Nana Patole, and BJP member Narayan Kuche echoing the concerns and stressing the need to protect the floriculture economy.

Floriculture Minister Bharat Gogawale has assured the House that a high-level meeting will be convened before the end of the monsoon session to discuss the issue, with officials from the Environment Ministry also participating. Gogawale has also indicated that a government ban on artificial flowers is likely.

Patil, born on July 4, 1999, is the youngest member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. He won the 2024 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election, representing the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar). His electoral debut saw him secure 128,403 votes, defeating Sanjaykaka Patil of the Nationalist Congress Party by a significant margin.