The Hindu Business Line : Cold conditions may affect grapes production

Mumbai, Feb. 6 Persistent cold conditions may hit grape production by 8-10 per cent, especially in Maharashtra. The State contributes about 94 per cent of the country’s total output.

“If the weather gets colder there is a possibility that the production may go down further,” said Mr Vikram Pawar, Executive Secretary, Maharashtra Grape Growers Association.

Expected output

In 2008, Maharashtra is expected to produce 20 lakh tonnes against the 18 lakh tonnes last year. The acreage under the fruit was down 10 per cent last year due to farmers switching to fresh fruits. Unseasonal rains also impacted output.

Apart from unfavourable weather, Leafroll and Rugose virus has been detected in a few imported plants (wine variety) at Baramati, Sangli and Narayangaon in Maharashtra.

“The National Research Centre for Grapes is completely seized of the situation. The infected plants have been destroyed. There are no symptoms of the virus spreading. We are yet to confirm whether it is a virus or a seasonal disorder,” said Mr Pawar.

With the Maharashtra Government permitting contract farming wine industry, prospects have started looking up. Some companies have even provided farmers with foreign varieties to meet their demand.

Wine industry

Over 50 wineries in Maharashtra produced 9.4 million litres last year and it is likely to go up to 13 million litres in 2008.

The Indian wine industry is growing at a rate of 30-40 per cent. Domestic consumption was pegged at 11.30 million litres last year.

Price realisation

Vineyards are expected to achieve a higher realisation this year with good demand from domestic and international markets. Growers have resorted to early harvest and prices are around Rs 20 a kg at the farmgate.

“Once the arrivals start in full swing, the prices may come down to Rs 15 per kg, which is an optimal realisation, but anything below that will hit us badly,” said Mr Chandrakant More, a Nashik-based grape grower.

On the export front, an appreciating rupee is unlikely to have a major impact as the farmers are tapping the European markets. “The green table grapes, which are exported to the European and Canadian markets fetch around Rs 35-40 per kg, depending on the quality. We expect the price trend continue this year also,” Mr Pawar said. India exported around 5,500 containers (15 tonne container) to European and Canadian markets last year and it is expected to rise to 7,000 containers in 2008.