The country's grape exports to Europe, one of the major destinations for the fruit has plunge by 6% to about 38,688 tonnes in 2009 thanks to lower demand in the region. Last year, India had shipped 41,139 tonnes of grapes to the European market. S Dave, director, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda), said, "The global slowdown has affected grapes export to Europe, which fell to 38,688 tonnes in the current season."
Europe accounts for 70% of grapes export from India followed by Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Gulf countries. Grapes in India are harvested during February-April which is also the main period for export. Increasing rejection of consignments from the European Union (EU), which stress on strict quality norms has led Apeda to develop software and minimise rejections.
Apeda officials highlighted that there is zero rejection of grapes from Europe after launch of the software in 2008 season. The software allows grape sourcing countries to know every detail of the fruit, right from the growing stage. "The importer can know where the grapes are grown, who is the farmer, what fertilisers and pesticides are used in the fruit cultivation and many other aspects," Dave added.
Source : www.fnbnews.com