Now B'lore Blue grapes sold for Rs 2 a kg

The rumour, in a popular Malayalam daily, has triggered the downfall in the price of the fruit. The rumour has many takers given the fact that it has come from a total literate state.

Bangalore Blue grape is grown in predominantly in Chikkaballapur, Hoskote, Devanahalli, Doddaballapur and Shidlaghatta taluks.

The fruit is grown in 1,500 acres in Chikkaballapur taluk. Majority of the produce from the taluk is being consumed in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The climate in and around Bangalore is suitable for this variety of grape. The cultivation is less capital intensive as the produce is comparatively resistant to pest attacks.

Minimum investment
It requires very little investment on pesticide and one can grow two crops in a year. Thus, it has become a profitable venture for the farmers.
The fruit is also used in wine preparation. The state government had permitted wine preparation from French grape.
However, the growers were not affected as the wine distilleries opted for Bangalore Blue variety.

 The rumours, without any scientific basis, however, have already done the damage. The demand for the produce too has plummeted along with the price.
However, Deputy Director of Horticulture Department, Sainath differs to agree that the rumour has brought down the price.

“There has been a marked increase in the arrivals to the market owing to bumper yield this year. On the other hand, the demand in other states has reduced. All these factors together have contributed for the drop,” he said.
DH News Service