India: Cyclone Ockhi hits grape production in Maharashtra
Unseasonal rain and inclement weather in the wake of cyclone Ockhi have impacted grape farms in Maharashtra, one of the largest grape producers in the country, Indian Express reported.
Growers have already been affected by unseasonal rains a couple of months ago, which are expected to reduce early season volumes, and more rains this week are set to cause further losses.
Farmers claim the standing crop of grapes which were to be sent to the market has been severely affected due to rains, the story reported
“The unseasonal rain caused the skin of grapes to split. These were produced to be sent to the market right now. The rain damaged the fruit and it will be hard to find takers for them,” Zameer Shaikh, a grape farmer from Yevla in Nashik district, was quoted as saying.
The Nashik district, which produces around 90% of the export grapes in the state of Maharashtra, reportedly receiving 125mm of rain on Tuesday.
“The weather has been unstable this year. The late withdrawal of monsoon had earlier affected crops in the region with productivity dipping. The first phase of crop that enters the market was almost ready but rains on Tuesday spoiled matters,” Keshav Kakad, who owns a grape farm in Nashik district, said.
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