Farmers in Maharashtra continue to be troubled by the lockdown. But some are setting an example for others. Grape farmers from Pune and Sangli, who, too, have no market for their produce which otherwise yields between Rs 20 and Rs 35 per kg, are now drying the grapes on the vines itself, as this might yield more produce in the form of raisins (Rs 150-  Rs 200 per kg). This is a novel method adopted by grape growers in Pune and Sangli, with the assistance of the National Research Centre for Grapes (NRCG), Pune, which is under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

'Dried-on-the-vine'
Rohit Rajendra Chavan, 26, from Indapur, Pune holds a degree in MSc (Horticulture) and always wanted to assist his father in farming. This year with no market or exports, 210 tonnes of grapes ready for harvest spread on 80 acres of land were staring at Chavan, who had no clue what to do with them. He contacted the director of NRCG and with their help, is trying the concept of 'dried-on-the-vine' grapes. The NRCG is advising farmers to go for this technique instead of facing 100 per cent losses due to the sudden rain and lockdown. Farmers have always focused on fresh grapes and dried very little after harvesting. But this time, they are attempting to save their entire produce by turning them into both green and black raisins.