Indian Exporters Implement Strategies to Overcome Weather-Induced Challenges
The supply of sweet corn from India has been severely impacted by drought-like conditions, resulting from below-average monsoon rains last year. Swapnil Aware, board member for Indian fresh produce exporter Mersel Foods, discussed the significant challenges faced by producers this season.
“Due to below-average monsoon rains last year, many sweet corn cultivation areas are experiencing drought-like conditions, which have led to a significant shortage in supply and increased prices for raw materials. This has made the current season quite challenging for us. However, we remain optimistic about the coming weeks. Improved weather forecasts suggest an increase in raw material supply, which we hope will allow us to conclude the season successfully and with a good yield,” Aware explained.
Proactive Measures and Quality Control
In response to these challenges, Mersel Foods has taken several proactive measures to ensure a steady supply of sweet corn. “The previously mentioned weather conditions have caused significant shortages and have affected the quality of the produce. To overcome these challenges, we’ve taken several proactive measures, like sourcing sweet corn from regions with more favorable weather conditions and moderate rainfall to ensure a steady supply. Our expert field team is actively working with growers, providing them with the necessary guidance and support to improve crop resilience and quality. We have implemented stringent quality control measures to select only the best goods that meet our standards, ensuring that our customers receive high-quality sweet corn despite the challenging conditions,” said Aware.
Optimism with Upcoming Monsoon Season
Relief is anticipated as the monsoon season is expected to arrive within a week. “Looking ahead, we are hopeful that the monsoon, expected to arrive in India by the first week of June, will bring positive changes. The sowing season has already begun in most cultivating areas, and we are preparing for a productive season ahead. Our focus will remain on ensuring a good supply of high-quality products. We’re also investing in new technologies and farming practices to enhance crop resilience and yield. With these efforts, we are optimistic about achieving a successful sweet corn season and continuing to meet the demands of our markets,” Aware concluded.
