Nashik: Grape exports have picked up with about a thousand containers being exported to non-European countries. Exports to Europe will begin after January 15, according to Manikrao Gangadhar Patil, division president of Draksha Bagiatdar Sangh, Maharashtra. The exporters hope to export over 2,00,000 tonnes of grapes in the 2015-2016 season, sources said. Nashik is the largest producer of grapes and onions in India.
Mr Patil further said exports to Russia, the far east, Dubai, China, Thailand and other places would continue. “After January 15, exports to European countries will begin simultaneously. There are about 60 to 70 grape exporters in the trade,” Mr Patil told The Asian Age. Grape Exporters Association of India (GEAI) president Jagannath Khapare said that if nature would be kind now, they would be able to break the record of 2013-14 in which they exported 1,92,616.92 tonnes grapes. “This time we expect exports of over 2,00,000 tonnes,” he said.
Cold weather is harmful for grapes and Nashik had a short chilly spell in December 2015 and early January 2016. During 2014 to 2015 season, hailstorms, unseasonal rainfall and extreme cold took its toll on production. Last season, exports of only 1,07,257.85 tonnes was possible.
Thousands of tonnes of grapes are being sent all over the country. The grapes are being sent to Delhi, Kolkata, Assam, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and other places. The average capacity of containers sent to Russia is 16 tonnes, while for other places it is 12 tonnes.
