Unseasonal rains in last two-three days have badly affected vineyards in Nashik district, causing loss of crores of rupees.
Around 62 per cent of vineyards, which were in blossom, have been worse affected by 85 per cent to 100 per cent and that may cause lower production this year, according to sources.
However, the actual loss has still not been reported. According to Grape Growers’ Federation, losses are estimated at more than Rs. 80 crore.
Nashik district is known for producing large quantity of grapes as it shares 55 per cent of total export of grapes from the country and 75 per cent of total export of grapes from the state.
Total area under grape cultivation in Nashik district is 40,000 hectares. Off which, around 25,000 hectares of vineyards were in blossom after September-October pruning. These vineyards have been worse affected by 85 per cent to 100 per cent due to unseasonal rains, sources said.
Those vineyards, which had pruning in last 8 to 10 days, will have no impact of unseasonal rains, but such vineyards are only 10 to 12 per cent.
Last year (in 2008-09), the total area under grape cultivation in Nashik district was 40,000 hectares. More than 7.20 lakh mt of grapes were produced in the district and grapes productivity was 20 mt per hectare.