Locally produced grapes are expected to be available on the market from next week and, as a preventative measure, all the grapes at the production base of the Green and Sun Fruit and Vegetable Cooperatives have reportedly been wrapped in special bags.

“Covering the grapes with bags has quite a few advantages. First, it can prevent diseases such as anthracnose, white rot and downy mildew, which are commonly seen during the growth of grapes. Second, pesticides will not reach the fruits if the grapes are covered in bags thus the residue of pesticide will be reduced. Finally, damage from birds and hail can be prevented thanks to the bags,” said an expert.

“However, not all bags can be used to cover grapes. We have to adopt a special kind of bag which is air permeable and also offers protection against diseases,” he also said.