Unusual cold weather conditions prevailing in Nashik district of Maharashtra have posed great threat to the grape yield. The region is known as the largest producer of grapes in India.
Present weather conditions is an uncommon phenomenon as such low temperatures over this part of Maharashtra are very rare. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are settling below normal by 3-5 degrees during last couple of days.
According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, continuous flow of cold and dry northerly and northeasterly winds over region have led to significant dip in the temperatures.
Nashik recorded minimum of 5.4°C on December 25, which was five degrees below normal. Thereafter on December 26, it witnessed morning temperature of 7.4°C, again three degrees below normal.
Present weather conditions have left grape growers worried about their plants. Farmers are carrying out different procedures to save their yield. This includes arrangements of bonfires in the farms to keep the ground warm and increase temperatures.
If the plants continue to get exposed to cold weather conditions and dry air for longer time, it will bring down production. According to Skymet, fortunately both maximum and minimum temperatures are showing a rising trend and are expected to crawl back to normal during next 24 to 48 hours.
Nashik is the largest contributor in grape production across the country, with 1,75,000 acres of vineyards. These vineyards are also the major sources of income for lakhs of the region.
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