NASHIK: The grape cluster development scheme introduced by the National Vertical Board of the Centre will provide momentum for the economic development of the farmers and is a boon for the Nashik district. The maximum number of grape growers to avail the benefits of this scheme, urged MP Hemant Godse.
While large scale production of grapes is taking place in the district, there are many difficulties. The facilities available from the government are insufficient. Therefore, grape growers are always worried. The Centre has decided to set up 53 grape clusters in the country and has included Nashik in this pilot project. The scheme was presented at the training centre of Nashik Agriculture Department on Tuesday.
MP Godse was speaking at that time. Sanjay Padwal, Ashok Gaikwade, Jagannath Khapre, Manikrao Patil, Hushar Singh of National Vertical Board, project director Rajendra Nikam and others were present.
The farmers on the occasion suggested that state-of-the-art seedlings should be made, water and soil texture should be checked before distribution of crops, state-of-the-art nursery centres should be set up, produce an infestation free crop, the quality of the plastic sheet should be good, take review through GPS for garden data collection, there should be a provision of cloud storage at the district level, special facilities should be created for transportation, additional train service (wagon) should be made available during January to March which is the season for domestic shipment of grapes. The Farmer Protectors Act should be amended etc.
