Three Tonnes of Grapes Stolen From Chikkaballapur Farm as Crop Thefts Alarm Farmers

A major theft at a grape farm in Karnataka’s Chikkaballapur district has left farmers worried after nearly three tonnes of grapes were allegedly stolen overnight. The incident has added to growing concerns over repeated thefts targeting high value horticultural crops across the state.

The theft took place at a farm in Kolavanahalli village belonging to farmer Basavaraj. According to local reports, unidentified individuals entered the vineyard during the night, harvested a large quantity of grapes and fled before anyone noticed the crime. The estimated value of the stolen produce is around Rs 3 lakh.

The grapes were of the Red Globe variety, which is currently in high demand in the market. Farmers say the crop has been fetching nearly Rs 150 per kilogram, making it one of the most profitable horticultural products this season. Each bunch reportedly weighed between one and a half and two and a half kilograms, attracting buyers who were willing to purchase the harvest directly from the farm.

Investigators believe the thieves may have parked a vehicle near a lake located behind the farm before transporting the harvested grapes. Police from the Nandigiridham station visited the scene, carried out an inspection and have begun an investigation to identify those responsible for the theft.

Local farmers say this is the first time they have witnessed such a large scale theft targeting grape cultivation in the region. While tomatoes and pomegranates have been stolen during previous periods of high market prices, vineyard owners now fear that grapes have also become a target because of their increasing value.

The incident has created anxiety among growers who depend on horticultural crops for their livelihood. Many farmers say repeated thefts not only result in heavy financial losses but also discourage investment in high value crops that require significant time, labor and resources to cultivate.

Residents and farmer groups have urged the police to identify the culprits quickly and strengthen security in agricultural areas. They are calling for increased night patrols and stricter action against those involved in crop thefts, arguing that such crimes directly affect the income and confidence of farming families.

Several local farmers, including Manjunath, have appealed to the authorities to provide better protection for orchards and vineyards. They believe preventive measures are necessary to stop similar incidents from occurring during harvest season when valuable crops are ready for sale.

The latest theft has once again highlighted the growing challenge faced by farmers as rising prices for agricultural produce make farms increasingly vulnerable to criminal activity. With horticultural crops commanding strong market demand, growers are hoping for swift police action and improved security to safeguard their harvests in the future.