Continuous rainfall over the past two months, along with weather fluctuations, has negatively impacted grape farmers in Theni, leading to a significant decrease in grape prices from approximately USD 0.73 per kg to USD 0.18. Theni, known for its cultivation of the Muscat Hamburg grape variety, also referred to as panneer thiratchai, faces a drastic reduction in yield due to adverse weather conditions. This variety, notable for its year-round availability and enhanced sweetness attributed to the local soil and water, is cultivated by over 300 farmers across roughly 2,023 hectares in the Cumbum Valley. The usual yield of 6 tons per hectare has plummeted to about a ton per hectare, despite the cost of production remaining steady at around USD 2,439 per hectare.
Local agricultural leaders have called for governmental intervention to establish a minimum support price of USD 0.61 per kg for grapes and to compensate for the current year's losses. Experts emphasize the importance of climate awareness and preventive measures against fungal infections to mitigate further damage. The region's horticultural authorities have advised farmers to insure their crops through the Agriculture Insurance Company of India to safeguard against climate-induced losses, with additional time provided for insurance enrollment and plans for crop inspection and potential aid.
Source: The Indian Express