- Until 5 years ago, Koppal district in Karnataka produced over 40,000 tonnes of pomegranate p.a., of which over 70% was exported to European countries such as Germany, Switzerland, France, Canada, and West Asia.
- However in 2007 it was hit by a bacterial infection that killed the yield soaring prices in nearby cities. This was followed by the 2009 floods, impairing the farmers’ ability to repay loans.
- Farmers have had to burn their produce since there were no takers. Recently, export agents rejected them since they carried traces of a certain pesticide which is banned in the United Arab Emirates.
- The State govt has written to the Centre asking it to waive the loans of these farmers, and have also suggested the farmers to grow alternatives such as Mango, Papaya and Banana to recover the huge losses incurred.
- Many farmers have turned to Sandalwood, and have tied up with the state-run Mysore Sandal Soap Factory. They may however have to wait for 5-6 yrs to reap the benefits.
- Besides, a few Sandalwood growers have also incurred losses due to reduced viability of the saplings brought from Haveri, Ankola and Honnavar in Koppal.
- Read at: http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31806&articlexml=TOP-COPy-Tasty-pomegranates-turn-bitter-for-Koppal-17052014024057
Exams Perspective:
- India’s standing in growth of vegetables & fruits
- Crop Diversification
- Mixed Cropping