Gherkin exports hit by heavy rains, rupee rise

Heavy rains and rupee appreciation have taken their toll on Karnataka's gherkin exports. Gherkins are akin to cucumber, but are smaller in size.

According to trade sources, rupee appreciation and incessant rains in the months of July-August have come as a double blow for the commodity's export. "Crops harvested and exported during May-July were satisfactory, but realisation was badly hit due to sharp appreciation in rupee," a trader said.

Karnataka exports gherkins worth over Rs 300 crore mainly to countries such as France, Germany, US, Russia, and Australia.

Heavy rainfall in the state during July and August has caused widespread damage in the growing regions. About 30 per cent of the crop (in 39,000 acres) is said to be affected by the rains.

Gherkin processors/exporters were taking orders at Rs 44.50 to a dollar. But due to rupee appreciation, they are now forced to sell pegging the dollar at Rs 40.50.

"The processors are facing a situation, wherein there is production constraint and demand for gherkins is slowly picking up in Europe. But customers are not prepared to pay more for new or fresh orders," market sources said.

"Customers at the most are offering half-a-cent more. This will not compensate the loss incurred so far. The industry is now forced to seek Apeda or commerce ministry's help," they added.

Gherkins in Karnataka is grown over 39,000 acres mainly in the districts of Bangalore rural, Bangalore urban, Kolar, Tumkur, Hassan and Chitradurga.

The state has about 24 units contributing about 90 per cent of the country's total gherkin production of one lakh tonnes.