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India imports new table grape varieties |
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Cracking of grapes due to unseasonal rains may soon be a thing of the past as the local grape growers are planning to import six new table grape varieties from Africa, Italy and Spain by November-end that do not require dipping or thinning procedures during cultivation. Moreover, it will also reduce the production cost to some extent.
The Maharashtra Rajya Draksha Bagayatdar Sangh (MRDBS), an association of grape growers, has booked six non-patent varieties with nurseries in South Africa, Italy and Spain, which are expected to be delivered in the next four months.
At present, the Indian varieties of table grapes are planted in the state, which require a lot of pruning and developed in around 120 days. It is mostly the Thompson variety of table grapes, which is around 60 years old, is being planted in the vineyards in the country. Generally, pruning takes place in September or October, the time when monsoon affects the vineyards. Moreover, these varieties also require being dipped in some solutions and thinning. To avoid this, the association has decided to import the new table grape varieties which will later be distributed to the grape growers.
Speaking to TOI, Nashik divisional president of MRDBS Kailas Bhosle said, "We have very old table grape varieties which need various activities like dipping and thinning. Besides, the grapes end up cracking during unseasonal rains. Hence, we have decided to import the non-patent varieties and have already booked six non-patent varieties with the nurseries, which are expected to be delivered by November-end. These varieties will not require the dipping and thinning procedures. They will also not develop cracks during unseasonal rains. Moreover, the production cost will reduce by Rs 50,000 per acre."
Another office-bearer from MRDBS said, "Apart from the non-patent varieties, we are also pursuing with the state and the central governments for import of patent varieties, which are costlier. We need patent varieties as well. The meeting in this connection will soon be held with the concerned government officials."
Source : freshplaza.com
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