Shortfall in grape production predicted

NASHIK, DEC 21: A shortfall of 35 to 40 per cent is predicted in grape production this year in Nashik district due to inclement weather.

According to a spokesman of the Maharashtra Rajya Draksha Bagayatdar Sangh, which represents grape cultivators, the dry spell and intermittent rainfall this season had delayed pruning in vineyards and the harvest. He said that as against the yield this season would be between three to 3.5 lakh tonnes in Nashik district as against the normal production of five to 5.5 lakh tonnes.

He said that while the yield is expected to be lower in Nashik district, the harvest of grapes in other parts of the State, like Sangli, Pune, Solapur and Satara would be normal. He further said that Maharashtra had over 70,000 acres under grapes and the normal production was in the range of ten lakh tonnes. He said that last year about 450 container-loads of grapes were expected but this year the exports would be less in the range of 375 containers.