In Karnataka, grape production has seen an upward trend over the past three years. However, the state's lack of sufficient cold storage facilities is posing significant challenges for its growers. According to the Karnataka Wine Board, approximately 80% of the state's produce is transformed into raisins. Yet, the state's storage capacity can only accommodate around 30% of the annual raisin yield, compelling farmers to seek storage alternatives in Maharashtra.
An unexpected drop in grape market prices, coupled with transportation and overhead costs, is causing financial strain for grape growers. Karnataka, primarily Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Belagavi and parts of Bengaluru urban and rural districts, is the country's second-largest grape producer, following Maharashtra. Particularly, Vijayapura contributes to over 75% of the state's total grape yield and is among the nation's top raisin producers.
The state's cultivation area has expanded from 29,197 hectares in 2019-20 to 36,575 hectares in 2021-22. Similarly, fresh grape production has risen from 711,000 tons to 788,000 tons over the same timeframe, reaching 980,000 tons last year. Typically, 4 kg of fresh grapes yield 1 kg of raisins, a process taking 12-18 days depending on climate conditions and fruit quality.
Source: deccanherald.com