Grape growers in Tamil Nadu’s Theni district, India, are reporting extensive crop losses after early northeast monsoon rains caused widespread flooding in vineyards across the Cumbum valley, one of the state’s main grape-producing areas. The heavy rainfall and cold weather have damaged standing crops and led to a sharp drop in market prices for the popular Panneer variety.
Farmers said that continuous rain over the past two weeks had resulted in waterlogging and reduced fruit quality, making grapes less marketable. Panneer grapes, which previously sold for around Rs 70 (US$0.84) per kilogram at the farm gate, are now fetching as little as Rs 40 (US$0.48). Finer-quality black grapes are priced around Rs 40 (US$0.48) per kilogram, while fruit with faded skin and reduced sheen are selling for Rs 20–25 (US$0.24–0.30).
Growers explained that prolonged cold weather slows fruit ripening and weakens demand. The arrival of seedless grapes from Maharashtra has also intensified downward pressure on local prices, with further declines expected in the coming weeks. In Uthamapalayam, Chinnamanur, and Cumbum blocks, several days of uninterrupted rain have damaged crops and compounded existing economic difficulties for farmers.
Apart from rain-related losses, growers reported heavy damage from fruit bats attacking ripe grape clusters. Officials from the Department of Horticulture confirmed that field surveys had been conducted in multiple parts of the valley. Preliminary assessments indicated crop damage on about 0.4 hectares in the Cumbum block, with additional losses reported nearby.
The district has about 1,700 hectares under grape cultivation. While October rainfall was lower than last year’s 160–170 millimetres, officials said the steady downpours were sufficient to harm vines already weakened by previous weather fluctuations.
Authorities noted that heavy rainfall along the Western Ghats raised the water level in the Mullaiperiyar dam, forcing a controlled release that later caused flooding in nearby fields. The Department of Horticulture has advised farmers to install anti-bird nets under the government subsidy scheme to help prevent future crop losses from wildlife.
Source: Nagpur Oranges