The Indian grape campaign just starting is likely to come up short, as the full extent of rainfall in Andhra Pradesh at the end of March makes itself known.
Unseasonal downpours and high winds in Andhra Pradesh put losses for some growers as high as 90 per cent of their crop. Although export volumes are a priority, volumes to send overseas have still been hit.
The Andhra Pradesh Grape Growers’ Association said that rainfall across western and southern India caused devastating effects on the whole grape-growing community, causing enormous losses to growers located in Sangli, Karad, Bijapur, Sholapur and Hyderabad regions. Following the rains, berries were subject to cracking and rotting, even while still on the vine, making the crop no use to any market or consumers.
The harvest in Hyderabad was in full swing when the rainfall struck, as growers in the region start harvesting the ripe grapes between March 10 and April 20.
The growers’ association has called on the authorities to waive crop loans and the interest accrued on them for this financial year, as well as to organise rescheduling of debt to help those growers hardest hit.
Grape production in the area represents massive capital investment in recent years for the growers involved.
