Export volumes of India’s most-traded horticultural crops could be at risk this season, following heavy rains across Maharashtra and Gujarat in the last three days.
The post-monsoon wet weather has taken a significant toll on grapes, pomegranates, alphonso mangoes and cashew nuts, reported India’s Business Standard.
“The pomegranate production in Sangli, Solapur and Nashik districts alone will see a decline of almost 50 per cent as ripe fruits have been hit due to the unexpected rainfall,” unnamed sources told the Standard.
Grapes bound for export in Maharashtra and southern Gujarat have also been damaged, according to officials, and cashews have been hit in growing regions along the coast.
The rains hit at the beginning of India’s grape export season, which had otherwise been marked by good returns. Export prices for Thompson and Sharad Seedless were Rs65 and Rs75 per kg respectively, reported the Times of India.
Other crops like rice and cotton are also expected to be damaged as a result of the storms.
