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Grape Production in India

16 Aug 2025 GS 3 Agriculture
Grape Production in India Click to view full image

Context: The India–U.K. FTA provides a golden opportunity for grape farmers by removing tariff barriers, expanding market access, and ensuring better prices.

Origin
 
Grape cultivation is believed to have originated in Armenia near the Caspian Sea in Russia, from where it spread westward to Europe and eastward to Iran and Afghanistan. 

Grape was introduced in India in 1300 AD by invaders from Iran and Afghanistan.

Global and National Significance

  • India ranks among the top 10 grape producers in the world.

  • Grapes account for about 2.6% of the total fruit area and nearly 3% of total fruit production (NHB, 2023).

  • India has one of the highest grape productivities globally (~25–30 tonnes/ha, compared to the world average of ~10–12 tonnes/ha).

  • France was the largest producer of grapes, accounting for 16.8% of global production. Italy second at 11.3%, followed by Spain at 8.3%.

Key Producing States

  1. Maharashtra

    • Contributes 67–80% of India’s total grape production.

    • Major regions: Nashik, Sangli, Pune, Solapur.

    • Nashik Known as the “Grape Capital of India”.

  2. Karnataka

    • Second largest producer.

    • Major regions: Bijapur, Bagalkot, Belgaum.

    • Known for table grape production.

  3. Tamil Nadu – Moderate production, with Theni and Coimbatore as key regions.

  4. Andhra Pradesh – Produces commercial varieties in Anantapur, Chittoor.

  5. Punjab – Small share but significant for early-season grapes.

Varieties and Systems

  • Prominent variety: Thompson Seedless (major export grape).

  • Other varieties: Sharad Seedless, Sonaka, Flame Seedless.

  • Training systems:

    • Bower system (Pandals) – popular in Maharashtra.

    • Telephone (T-trellis) system – used in Karnataka & AP.

  • Irrigation: Drip irrigation widely adopted.

  • Nutrition: Fertilizers + biofertilizers supplement soil.

Harvesting

  • Grapes are harvested once or twice annually, depending on climatic conditions and variety.

  • Harvest season:

    • Jan–April (main season, export quality).

    • Sept–Nov (second crop in some regions).

Exports

  • India is a major exporter of fresh grapes.

  • Major destinations: European Union (Netherlands, UK, Germany), Russia, Middle East.

  • APEDA plays a key role in grape export promotion.

  • Around 2.5–3 lakh tonnes exported annually (APEDA, 2023–24).

  • Exports contribute significantly to India’s agri-exports basket.

Other Features

  • Grape production in India is localized to 4–5 states.

  • High productivity due to advanced management, pruning, and irrigation systems.

  • Contributes to:

    • Domestic consumption (table grapes, raisins, wine).

    • Export economy (fresh grapes, raisins).

Climate Requirements for Grape Cultivation in India

  1. Temperature

    • Optimal: 20°C to 30°C for growth, fruit set, and berry development.

    • Above 40°C: reduces fruit set and berry size.

    • Below 15°C: slows down vine activity.

  2. Rainfall

    • Annual requirement: 500–900 mm, well-distributed.

    • Dry spell of 3–4 months during cropping period is essential.

    • Rain during flowering or ripening → fungal diseases, poor quality grapes.

  3. Sunlight

    • Needs 8 hours/day of bright sunlight.

    • Direct sunlight enhances sugar accumulation, color, and flavor.

  4. Humidity

    • Moderate levels preferred.

    • High humidity → powdery mildew, downy mildew, anthracnose.

    • Very low humidity → water stress, berry shriveling.

  5. Soil

    • Well-drained sandy loam or loamy soils are ideal.

    • pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).

    • Waterlogging and salinity must be avoided.



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