Water scarcity hits Nashik grape growers hard

Water scarcity and cold weather has created problems for the growth of seasonal grapes in Nashik's grape-growing talukas.

Acute water shortage in areas like Naitale, Sonewadi, Thetale, Wadner Bhairav, Wavi, Redgaon, Ranwad and Shirwade in Niphad and Dindori talukas has compelled grape growers to buy tanker water and resort to drip irrigation.

“Water scarcity has increased the cost of grape-growing. Apart from water tankers, farmers are using techniques of paper mulching to reduce ground evaporation of water and they are increasing the stress bearing capacity of the plants by using sprays of synthetic polymers,” stated Vijay Gadhak, president, Nashik division Grape Growers’ Association, Maharashtra.

With the increase in demand and hike in petroleum prices, the tanker owners have hiked their rates. A water tank of 24,000 litres comes at Rs2,000 while that of 18,000 litres costs Rs1,500. Efforts and arrangements are also to be made to store this water and use as per requirement. 

The other aspect affecting the grapes this season is the persistent cold weather in the region.

Crisis
Acute water shortage in areas like Naitale, Sonewadi, Thetale, Wadner Bhairav, Wavi, Redgaon, Ranwad and Shirwade in Niphad and Dindori talukas has compelled grape growers to buy tanker water