MADURAI: Grape growers in Theni district are worried over damage caused to crops and declining prices in the market. The initial spell of the northeast monsoon caused inundation in the grape fields, causing damage to standing crops

M Selvakumar, president of KK Patti Grape Farmers Association, said the monsoon rain and cold weather reduced the demand for ‘Panneer’ grapes, predominantly grown in parts of Theni district. A couple of months ago, a kilogram fetched Rs 70 at the farm gate, but now it has come down to Rs 40.

“While finer quality grapes, which are fully black in colour, are priced at Rs 40, the other quality, with its skin colour losing its sheen, is sold at prices ranging from Rs 20 to Rs 25,” he told DT Next.

Days of cold weather are considered a grim period for grape farme

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