State’s pilot project to shield grape plantations from unseasonal rain & hail

Pune: The state agriculture department has launched a pilot scheme providing grants for grape farmers for the purchase of plastic covers to protect vineyards from unseasonal rainfall and hail.The scheme will be implemented in Pune, Nashik, Sangli, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Dharashiv and Jalna districts. “The farmers would have to apply for the scheme and submit their documents online. After scrutiny beneficiaries will be selected on a lottery system. The growers can get a grant of up to Rs2.4 lakh for a one-acre area,” said Kailas Mote, agriculture director, horticulture section.The growers faced a significant financial loss due to unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms in the last few years.Shivaji Pawar, the president of the grapes grower association of the state, told TOI, “We have been pursuing the matter for the last few years. Finally, they have a pilot scheme. At least small and marginal grape growers, who cannot afford the cost of the plastic cover, will benefit.” The material to cover the plantation is imported from Australia and Spain. “Cost of the plastic goes up to Rs10 to 12 lakh per acre with a proper laying system,” Pawar said.The plastic cover shields, the season of grapes can go on till June. “The government should make a hefty provision for the scheme and implement it across the state to provide a fillip to the grape market,” said Jitendra Bidwai, the president of the Junnar tehsil grapes’ association.A section of growers, however, said laying plastic cover would be a financial burden. “We l have to set up an additional structure for plastic covers, ensuring a proper height to maintain required ventilation,” said Bharat Shinde, the president of the Pune district grapes’ association.A senior scientist at the National Research Centre for Grape in Manjari, said, “The government scheme will play a pivot role. The state should allocate more funds to help a larger number of farmers.”
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