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The South –West Monsoon in India this year was normal overall, but unfortunately in Karnataka, the largest Gherkin growing state, the Monsoon was significantly below average and can be termed as “failed”. Karnataka government has already declared 137 Talukas as drought affected following reports of rivers and majority of the tubewells drying up. Farmers are facing a tremendous challenge in taking up sowings of horticultural crops, including gherkins, due to the severe shortage of water and electricity.
Gherkin cultivation also suffered another setback due to the weak North-East monsoon this time, in Tamil Nadu and south Karnataka. Dashing our hopes of making up the required quantity, from this growing area. A drop of about 40% is estimated in the quantity of gherkin harvest in the year. A few news articles posted article 1, article 2, article 3, article 4 and article 5 gives an idea of the prevalent situation.

IGEA is trying to put in several initiatives to mitigate the problem and would also like to receive your valuable suggestions.

As a long-term measure IGEA is working with the Government and banks to evolve a easier and simplified working mechanism to bring more and more surface area under micro irrigation.

Another challenge being addressed by IGEA is in the area of pest management in Gherkin crop. And has ongoing projects on integrated pest management jointly with APEDA & UAS Bangalore

IGEA has introduced an extensive and effective mechanism to monitor the critical protocol established jointly with IGEA & UAS Bangalore with a focus on effective control of fruit flies and other pests. Presently IGEA is funding the entire expenditure for this initiative; steps are being taken to seek assistance from APEDA to keep this program going.

The companies listed below, have voluntarily participated in this monitoring program in a transparent manner and deserve appreciation for raising the bar in good field practices to ensure customer confidence. Though it would be very premature to expect immediate eradication of pests, IGEA is happy to inform that results have been good with decline in % of fruit fly affected gherkins arriving at the factory. IGEA will continue its endeavor to enroll more companies till all the members are included under this Program

Gherkin exporters are also exporting white onions, baby corn, cherry tomatoes and alophenos.