| Date: |
08-12-2014 |
| Subject: |
Aid plea for table grape import |
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NASHIK: The Grape Exporters' Association of India has urged the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority to provide financial assistance for importing good varieties of table grapes.
Speaking to TOI, president of the GEAI Jagannath Khapare said, "We need new varieties of table grapes to increase the export of grapes to China, USA, South Africa and other countries. The grape growers' association is also working on importing new varieties of grapes, but it is estimated to cost Rs 30 to Rs 40 crore. We just had a meeting with the officials from the APEDA where we urged the officials concerned to provide financial assistance. They have also assured us to look into the issue."
Khapare further said, "The China market opened for us from last year and we exported around 650 metric tonnes of grapes to the country. We have good scope in China, but we need new varieties there to capture this market. The last grape season was good for exports; the country had exported 1.92 lakh metric tonnes."
At present, the Indian varieties of table grapes are being grown in Maharashtra. They require a lot of pruning and are developed in around 120 days. Pruning usually takes place in September or October and most of the times the monsoon affects the vineyards during this period. To avoid this, the Maharashtra Draksha Bagaitdar Sangha (Maharashtra Grape Growers' Association) has taken initiative to import the table grape varieties which will be distributed to the grape growers. But the process is estimated to cost at Rs 40 crore.
Nashik district is a major exporter of grapes. Last year, the district exported 67,245.21 metric tonnes during the grape season (January-April 2014), including 58,311.61 metric tonnes to European countries and 8,933.6 metric tonnes to non-European countries.
The China market opened for us from last year and we exported around 650 metric tonnes of grapes to the country. We have good scope in China, but we need new varieties there to capture this market. The last grape season was good for exports; the country had exported 1.92 lakh metric tonnes
Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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