Grape export from Maharashtra takes a hit European cold affects market

Subhash Arve, president of Maharashtra Grape Growers Association, said that western countries had started ordering Indian grapes after the issue of chemical residue was sorted out by the central government. However, Indian farmers were unable to match the low prices of the produce from Chile and South Africa where farmers receive a transportation subsidy unlike in India.

The export of table grapes from India to Europe has taken a hit due to a 30% decline in prices in the European markets caused by extreme cold there and good supply of grapes from other countries.

The grape growing regions in Maharashtra such as Nashik and Sangli have been hit as a result, Jagannath Khapre, president, Grapes Exporters’ Association of India (GEAI) said here on Thursday. (AFP)

The grape growing regions in Maharashtra such as Nashik and Sangli have been hit as a result, Jagannath Khapre, president, Grapes Exporters’ Association of India (GEAI) said here on Thursday.

“Every year, our grapes get good rates in the western markets, but this time there has been a decline in demand because of intense cold weather in European countries. Our prices have declined to ₹50-₹60 per kg from ₹80-₹90 per kg earlier,” he said. The other reason for the decline is the good supply of grapes from Chile and Argentina, he added.

Subhash Arve, president of Maharashtra Grape Growers Association, said that western countries had started ordering Indian grapes after the issue of chemical residue was sorted out by the central government. However, Indian farmers were unable to match the low prices of the produce from Chile and South Africa where farmers receive a transportation subsidy unlike in India.

India has been registering continuous growth in the export of grapes every year. In 2017, grape exports increased to 2.31 lakh metric tonne from 1.57 lakh metric tonne in 2016.