Indian grape export soars, beats uncertainty and crop loss

Exporters were in for a surprise as demand from European markets picked up right at the start of the season. Maharashtra, the country’s largest producer and exporter of grapes, did not witness any unseasonal rains in the crucial growth months from September to November. “Thus, we were able to meet the export demands from Europe and the United Kingdom as quality produce was easily available,” Shinde said.

Pointing to the data, Shinde said had it not been for the unseasonal rains in March and April, Indian exports would have touched an all-time high. Nashik, Pune and Ahmednagar, the three main grape producers in the state, saw unseasonal rains in March, with grapes, pomegranate and vegetable crops bearing the brunt. Shinde said the rains in March reduced expected export figures by 15 per cent.

The state is under the spell of another season of rains and hailstorms, which have resulted in extensive damage to the harvest-ready crops. “The last 10 per cent of the crop has reported berry cracking due to the hailstorms,” he said.

Fresh or table grapes from India have made their mark in the European and other international markets thanks to them being available when produce from South Africa and South America is not otherwise available. European Union countries are the biggest destination for Indian grapes in terms of quantity and monetary value. In the 2021-22 season, India exported 2.63 lakh tonnes of grapes and the total earning from the shipment was $305 million.