Nashik: As temperatures take a dip in the Nashik region, creating a cozy atmosphere for residents, the sudden cold spell is spelling trouble for Rabi crops, particularly in the eastern part of Nashik district. On January 15, Niphad tehsil recorded a temperature drop to 6.5 degrees Celsius, impacting the agricultural landscape and raising concerns among farmers.
The eastern region of Nashik is currently experiencing severe cold weather, characterized by dense morning fog and chilly temperatures throughout the day. While the cold weather is generally favorable for Rabi crops like wheat and gram, grape-growing farmers are facing challenges in safeguarding their vineyards.
Vineyards in Eklaharegaon, Samangaon, Chadegaon, Kotamgaon, Mohgaon, Bableshwar, Chandgiri, Jakhori, Hinganvedhe, Kalvi, Gangapadli, Lakhalgaon, Odha, Shilapur, and Madsangati in the eastern region are in full bloom. However, the dropping temperatures during the grape’s sugar release process raise concerns for grape producers. The fluctuating temperatures in the district over the past few days, after a period of mild cold in November-December, add to the uncertainty.
The risk of grape cracking due to the harsh winter conditions looms large. Grape-growing farmers are adopting various measures to protect their vineyards, including covering them with plastic paper, morning watering, lighting between vineyards, and creating smoke to maintain warmth. To safeguard the color of exportable grapes, farmers are resorting to wrapping grape bunches with paper, incurring additional costs.
Ramdas Dukare Patil, a grape grower, emphasized the necessity of covering grape bunches to preserve their color. However, this practice comes at a cost, with a bundle of papers weighing 10kg priced at ₹2,500. Additionally, labor costs range from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per acre. Despite these efforts, the unpredictability of nature leaves farmers anxious until the grapes reach the market and fetch the desired prices.
