As European markets are facing recession fears, the export of grapes in India has started with some heavy reservations. While the majority of Indian grapes go to West Asia and Bangladesh, the European markets fetch premium prices. However, only 157 containers of grapes left India for Europe on January 25. Exporters and farmers are now cautious about the outcome.
Given the long dry spell and absence of unseasonal rains and hailstorms in the grape-growing zones of Nashik, Ahmednagar, Pune and some parts of Marathwada, growers in Maharashtra have reported good quality and quantity of their produce. But given the sluggish export pace, the fear of a price drop now looms large.
This year, to date, only 157 containers of table grapes have left the country for EU countries, with the Netherlands emerging as the top destination for Indian grapes. Last year this figure was 105,000 tons, shipped in 7,818 containers.
Source: indianexpress.com