NASHIK: Grape export from the country's wine capital has increased by 23.71% by February 20 during the 2016-17 grape season (December-April) as compared to the figures during the same day last year.
Sources in the agriculture department said the district exported 29,784 tonnes of grapes by February 20 during the current season as against 24,074 tonnes exported during the corresponding period last year.
According to the Grape Exporters' Association of India (GEAI), the export from the district is expected to rise by 25% during the 2016-17 season.
A GEAI official said, "Export has already started and is in full swing. It will peak by March and is expected to increase by 25% this time."
Around 26,000 grape growers had registered 43,000 acres of vineyards in the district during the 2015-16 season. However, the areas under grape plantation for export have increased by 30.69% in the current season than of the last season. Around 34,023 grape growers have registered 56,200 acres for export during the 2016-17 season as against last year.
In the last season, Nashik district had recorded the highest-ever export of 1.08 lakh metric tonnesas against 49,768 tonnes in 2014-15. Of the total 1.08 lakh tonnes of export, 75,000 tonnes were sent to European countries and remaining 33,000 tonnes were sent to nations such as Russia, Bangladesh, China and Dubai.
The total areas under grape plantation in Maharashtra are 3 lakh acres, including 1.75 lakh acres in Nashik. The district contributes 90% of the total grape exports from Maharashtra. During the grape season 2014-15, the unseasonal rain and hails had badly damaged the vineyards. This affected the export from Nashik by 26% to 49,768 tonnes as against 67,244 tonnes in the 2013-14 season. The weather conditions were conducive in the 2015-16 season. This helped the district register the highest-ever export of 1.08 lakh tonnes.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com