Karnataka: Far from battlefield, grape growers feel the heat as price crashes

The ongoing Indo-Pak conflict has cast a shadow far beyond the battlefield, reaching as far as the grape farms of Chikkaballapur district. The region, known for cultivating Dil Kush grapes, is facing a steep fall in prices, leaving growers anxious and financially strained.

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Grapes from Chikkaballapur are usually transported to markets in Jammu and Kashmir. However, with disruptions due to the war, demand has dropped, causing prices to plummet. Farmers who rely on timely sales and stable rates are now struggling to cover their costs.

Adinarayana Reddy, a grape grower from Somenahalli village, cultivates Dil Kush grapes across 25 acres. Speaking about the crisis, he said, “When the war broke out earlier, the price fell drastically. Last year, I suffered a complete loss. This time, prices have improved slightly, but the situation remains difficult.”

The price crash has come at a time when input costs—like fertilizers, labor, and transport—are steadily rising. Many farmers like Reddy fear that without government intervention or support, they might not sustain the next season.

Chikkaballapur, which contributes significantly to Karnataka’s grape production, now finds its agricultural future uncertain. With geopolitical tensions showing no signs of easing, grape farmers continue to hope for price stability and better market access.