Nashik: The export of grapes from Nashik has increased by 44.6% in the current grape season (December-April), the highest ever in the district.
At 67,239 metric tonnes, the district had recorded its highest grape export during 2013-14 season. Now, export figures have touched an all-time high of 71,966 metric tonnes. Grape export is likely to continue till April 30.
Sources in the agriculture department said, "The export of grapes from the district reached 71,966 metric tonnes by April 9 in the current season, as against 49,768 metric tonnes last season (2014-15) because of better climatic conditions."
Unseasonal rains and hails had badly damaged vineyards in the district last season. As a result, grape export from the district had declined by 26% to 49,768 metric tonnes during 2014-15, as against 67,244 metric tonnes in the 2013-14 grape season.
Jagannath Khapre, president of the Grape Exports Association of India), said, "Nashik district contributes 90% of the total grape export from Maharashtra. The state has exported 79,784 metric tonnes of grapes so far, including 71,966 metric tonnes from the district. Grape export from Nashik may touch 75,000 metric tonnes during the current season, which may continue till April-end."
"The climatic conditions were better in the current grape season that led to rise in export from the district. Last year, unseasonal rains and hails had damaged vineyards, but the situation was better this season. The grape export from South Africa to European countries ended very early, while there was also shortage of grapes in Chile, another major grape exporting country. It led to overall rise in grape export," he added.
The total areas under grape plantation across the country is estimated at 3.50 lakh acres, including 2.75 lakh acres in Maharashtra. The remaining 75,000 acres is spread across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The grape production of the country is estimated at 28 lakh metric tonnes, including 22 lakh metric tonnes in Maharashtra alone.
Source :timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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