Unseasonal rains in late October have destroyed almost 90 percent of ready-to-harvest vineyards in Satana and Chandwad, Nashik district. This means the export of grapes from India will be delayed this year as unseasonal rains have taken a heavy toll on availability of quality produce. Indian grapes normally leave for countries in the Middle East early November but this year, exports are likely to start only after January.
Jagannath Khapre, president of Grapes Exporters Association, said grapes from this area mostly head for the Middle East and the almost destroyed ready-to-harvest crop has put a question mark on exports to these countries. An estimated 50,000 hectares of the 14 mln hectares of vineyards were affected in the unseasonal rains, with industry estimates pegging the loss at Rs 2,5-3,0 bln.
However, the silver lining is that exports to Europe and Russia may not be hit much. “Exports to Europe normally start in January and we expect them to continue without much hindrance,” Khapre said.
[ Rs100 = €1.30 ]
Source: indianexpress.com
