Europe Edition
Farmers in Sangli district in the state of Maharashtra, a region known for grape cultivation, are now converting their land into residential plots. In the last two-three years, they have incurred heavy losses due to unseasonal rains and cloudy weather. Some felt there is no other option other than to cut down vineyards.
“Hardly you will see any grape cultivation in this region now. Farmers have suffered because of unseasonal rains and the cost of cultivation soared because of changing atmosphere. The prices of pesticides are too much and grape farming is unaffordable.
Farmers are reeling under loan burdens,” said one grower. He is trying his luck in tomatoes and brinjal along with sugarcane, hoping to sell his produce in the Miraj market on his own as traders want to buy his produce at a cheaper rate. However, even vegetable cultivation has turned into a loss-making venture due to unseasonal rains.
One grower predicted that more farmers will be converting their land into residential and commercial plots to recover losses in the last couple of years.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
