Will the grapes turn sour for farmers?

By Firoz Rozindar | NT

Vijayapura: The recent rains and prediction of more rains in the state has put grape farmers in the district in distress. Rains at this stage can cause significant damage to grape crops.

According to the Meteorological Department, Vijayapura is likely to receive moderate to heavy rains till November 22. The rain could be coupled with hailstorms. The region is likely to witness showers anywhere between 2.5mm to 15.5mm.

Sharanappa Gogihal, a grape farmer from Babaleshwar village, claims that it is for the third successive year that the farmers are facing vagaries of nature. “The flowering season has already begun but the dark clouds have increased the fear among grape growers. If the heavy rains are coupled with hailstorms, it will damage grape flowers and lead to fungal diseases”.

“The government has to come to the rescue of grape growers because the farmers are suffering for the past three years,” said Sharanappa.

Due to heavy showers and hailstorms, the farmers have suffered a loss of at least 25 percent crop (grape) in the past two years. Dr S G Golagi, horticulture expert, said the continuous rain could damage grape plantation and infect it with fungal diseases that cause leaf loss and lack of stem growth. The plants can get infected with fungal disease like powdery mildew, anthracnose, downy mildew and other bacterial disease. This will prevent the plants from growing flowers and fruits, which will result in fewer yields. However, if plants get enough sunlight there is a less chance of crop damage.

S M Bargimath, deputy director of the Department of Horticulture, said he will write to the scientists and experts seeking suggestions and measures to tackle this climate.