Indian table grape exports were hit with a setback in the European market due to increased competition amid heavy arrivals from Chile and other countries. The prices have also been dropping in the international markets, according to Jagannath Khapare, president of Grape Exporters Association of India (GEAI).
Speaking to FPJ, Khapare said, “There are several factors responsible for the slowdown in exports. However, we still have exported more grapes compared to last year. Till Wednesday, we have exported 84,400 metric tons (MT) compared to 84,174 MT on 5 April 2016,” he asserted.
The yield and quality of most crops are based on the current monsoon. However, in the case of grapes, the last year’s monsoon is the deciding factor.
“The likely factors are that there were reports of drought-like conditions in Indian grape growing regions last year, which may have impelled other countries to increase production” he said.
source: freepressjournal.in
