The 2015 Indian Walnut crop report update
INDIAN WALNUT CROP REPORT 2015
Received from
V K C Nuts (P) Ltd
The 2015 Walnut crop is progressing very well. Initially at the blossom time, there was some concern due to excessive rains but luckily they were not accompanied by snow. The temperature remained steady and there was no report of frost bite from any growing area. As the crop progressed the weather Gods remained very benevolent with the steady periodic rains during the months of May, June and July. This season the maximum temperature didn’t cross 33degrees which has helped the Walnuts to grow in size also. Since there was no dry spell during the growing period, at the moment size of Walnuts seem to be very good. We are expecting very little of babies this year.
The month of August is very critical for Walnuts. One or two rains are required before harvest. Going by the trend of rains this year over the growing areas, we expect normal rains during this period also. This will result in healthier kernels with more meat. Since there has been no dry spell over the past months and temperatures have remained moderate we expect more of light kernels this year, supply of ambers is likely to be restricted this season. Overall we expect good crop both quality and quantity wise.
The domestic market is expanding with a handsome growth of 10% the domestic consumption has risen to 35 to 40% of the crop. The festive season this year is late by 15 days. Diwali being on 11th November as against on 26th October last year, therefore we do not see pressure of domestic buyers during this period as there is enough time with the suppliers to push their goods. Besides there are some unsold stocks of inshell walnuts from old crop. This carryover of about 10-15% will also result in easing of domestic prices. There has been a growing trend of importing of Californian walnuts which cater to domestic market for inshell walnuts.
Overall we feel it will be a good season with domestic prices in check. Hopefully, there will be possibility of reviving our exports.