Relief for grape farmers as raisin prices surge

AFTER four years of continuous losses and price slumps, grape farmers in North Karnataka are finally seeing a turnaround as raisins have fetched good prices, offering much-needed relief to growers this year who had been severely distressed since the Covid-19 pandemic.

- FIROZ ROZINDAR @ Vijayapura

During the pandemic years, raisin prices hovered between Rs 60 and Rs 150 per kilogram, trapping farmers in debt without even covering production costs.

Now, as the prices of the grapes have surged between Rs 180 and Rs 380 per kilogram, farmers are witnessing a significant recovery.

Some farmers have even secured record-high rates, bringing a renewed sense of hope.

However, the improved prices come amidst a fall in production.