Dipping temperature in Nashik, one of the biggest grape growing regions in the country, is likely to impact growth of the fruit and the overall production for the season.
Temperatures in Niphad and Pimpalgaon regions of Nashik have dropped to 5-5.5 degrees C in the last couple of days leading to concerns among farmers that the fruit could wither away. According to industry experts, this could impact the total production to the tune of at least 10-15%.
According to Subhash Arave, president, Maharashtra State Grape Growers Association (MSGGA), the fall in temperatures has come at a critical growth stage after pruning in October and if temperatures drop below 10 degrees the rate of growth gets slowed. The juiciness of the fruit gets affected leading to smaller size.
“The association, however, has already received advisories regarding the weather and had accordingly prepared the farmers for such an eventuality. As a result, many farmers have started to light up bonfires in their fields early mornings (3-4 am) to ensure some heat for the crop. These fires are stopped by 9 am,” he explained. The process will continue until the temperatures remain in this range, he said, adding that the temperature is expected to dip further in the next week.
Grape is grown over four lakh acres in Maharashtra at Nashik, Sangli, Pune and Solapur. Last season the crop was affected because of unseasonal rain and hailstorm.
This year the grape growers are expecting a good export season. After exports of 1.12 lakh tonne in the last season, farmers are expecting a record exports of 2 lakh tonne if the weather holds up.