KOLHAPUR: The integrated horticultural development mission has sanctioned Rs 170 crore for the state government. The importance of the mission, launched by the Union government, is that most of the beneficiaries are from Kolhapur, Satra and Sangli districts of western Maharashtra. 
H D Nandavte, director of the State Horticulture and Medicinal Plant Board, said, "The Rs 170 crore are to be utilized to bring more area under horticultural crops, including mango, grapes, pomegranates and cashew. The Marathwada area is known for Kesar mangoes, while Pune, Nashik, Sangli and Solapur have emerged as major grape and pomegranate producers. The Kolhapur district has the largest flower growers and the business is expanding in the district." 
High returns from the horticulture crops compared to traditional foodgrains and cash crops are the major driving force for the business, he said. 
Experts said that much higher investment is needed for even half acre of horticulture business as compared with the requirement for a cash crop. But the returns are equally high. Sugarcane is a major cash crop in Kolhapur and Sangli districts, but every year the farmers have to struggle to get better rates for the produce. Compared to it, the horticultural crops such as fruits and flowers have constant demand from consumers. 
Grapes are largely produced and exported to EU countries, west Asian countries. Since, the last three years the east Asian countries have also started purchasing grapes from Maharashtra. All these developments have prompted the farmers to shift to horticulture crops. 
Mahindra Sahir, treasurer of Maharashtra State Grape Growers' Association, said, "Sangli and Solapur are the two major grape producing districts after Nashik. The raisins, table grape and wine grape growers are going to benefit from the proposed funding. Such funding from the union government can boost the growth of horticultural crops in the region, ultimately increasing the income of farmers." 
Sangli district is known for turmeric business. More than 1,800 hectares of land is under turmeric cultivation and the yield per hectare is 80 quintal. This year, the minimum rate was Rs 6,000 per quintal. Sources in the market said, more than Rs 300 crore-worth business takes place in Sangli, which can benefit from the funding, sources said.