The commencement of Jumbo and Sharad Seedless grape harvesting in Junnar Taluka marks the beginning of the export season, with Bangladesh being a primary market. The quality of these grapes dictates the purchasing price, which ranges from $1.32 to $1.51 per kilogram. Jumbo grapes are particularly noted for their sweet taste, large size, and crunchiness, driving demand in the Bangladeshi market. Despite this demand, increased import duties by the Bangladeshi government present challenges for exporters.
Adverse weather conditions have impacted grape production, leading to a reduction in bunch formation by about 20% in vineyards dedicated to Jumbo grapes. The harvesting period has started for vines pruned in late September, with the first batches of produce now being exported.
The export markets for these grapes extend beyond Bangladesh, reaching Dubai, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, China, and various Gulf nations. The cultivation of these grape varieties spans approximately 4,000 acres. Amidst the export activities, there are warnings about the risk of fraudulent transactions. Assistant Police Inspector Mahadev Shelar has advised growers to ensure payments are made directly into their bank accounts and to verify the identity of traders to mitigate fraud risks.
Popular grape varieties from Junnar Taluka include not only Jumbo and Sharad Seedless but also Crimson, Nana Purple, Red Globe, and Kingberry, among others. Gauri Ganesh Gadekar, a local farmer, reported selling his Jumbo and Sharad Seedless grapes at $1.46 per kilogram to Bangladeshi traders. Haribhau Waikar, Vice President of the Junnar Taluka Grape Growers Association, highlighted a 40% production drop due to poor bunch formation and the impact of high import duties on pricing. He called for governmental intervention to revise export-import policies to support growers.
Despite current challenges, including cracking issues in some vineyards and the high import duties, there is optimism among farmers regarding the potential for market improvement, especially with expectations of increased exports to China, Dubai, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia.
Source: The Bridge Chronicle