Chennai,‑Nov 3 – Grapes in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district are suffering a double blow. Early‑season rains from the northeast monsoon have flooded fields in the Cumbum valley, and the price of the popular Panneer grape has slumped to about ₹40 a kilogram from the former ₹70.
Farmers say a week of heavy rain has water‑logged their vines. “The fruit’s quality drops when it sits in water,” one grower told . “It looks dull and buyers reject it.” The worst damage is in the Cumbum, Uthamapalayam and Chinnamanur blocks, where showers lasted for days and left many clusters exposed.
The market now divides grapes by appearance. High‑quality black berries sell at ₹40 a kilo, while those with faded skins fetch only ₹20‑₹25. Growers warn that cold weather slows ripening and reduces demand even further. Adding to the problem, seedless grapes from Maharashtra are flooding local shops, which may push prices even lower.
Bats are also chewing away at ripe grapes, adding another layer of loss, reporters noted. The Department of Horticulture says it has inspected fields across the valley. Preliminary surveys show about one acre of crop damage in the Cumbum block and more in nearby areas. Theni district’s grape farms cover roughly 1,700 hectares. October’s rainfall was 160‑170 mm, less than last year, yet the cumulative downpours overwhelmed the vines.
Heavy rain over the Western Ghats raised water in the Mullaiperiyar dam. The dam’s release breached nearby fields, flooding Cumbum’s grape plots. Officials urge farmers to use anti‑bird nets available under the state subsidy scheme to protect future crops.
The Panneer grape story is a reminder that even in India’s thriving fruit markets, weather and pests can quickly change fortunes for local growers.
Source: ianslive
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