Untimely rainfall in several parts of Maharashtra is posing a threat to grape farming in Nashik. On the other hand,cotton procurement in North Maharashtra was also disrupted.
It must be noted that Nashik is one of the most important grape cultivation zones. Farmers said that cloudy atmosphere and rain are spoiling their crop. Maximum grapes grown in Nashik are exported to European nations. Now growers fear that the quality of grapes would be affected because of rains and will incur more production cost with extra spending on pesticides to protect the fruits.
After unseasonal showers, the procurement process by the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) was stopped in Jalgaon and many other places in Northern Maharashtra
The rain has spoiled the standing crops and the harvested produce. Heavy showers continued in parts of western Maharashtra on Monday.
Unseasonal rainfall in the month of September & October had ruined standing crops and have paralysed the cultivators. Though the Maharashtra government had announced a compensation for crop loss, but farmers told that they have not received any help from the government.
Moreover, untimely showers in December is certain to add to the growers’ woes.
