India is planning to increase grape production and introduce a good agriculture practices (GAP) programme.

The Indian government will be setting up four new nurseries accounting for 1,000ha under grape production in Maharashtra. Radha Singh, secretary at the ministry of agriculture said. She added that some 20 packhouses would also be developed. She also urged grape growers at last week’s International Grape Symposium in Baramati India to start looking at varieties that will perform best on their home soil.

Sharad Pawar, union minister of agriculture and consumer affairs, food and public distribution told delegates that he will be initiating a national GAP programme with funding support from the ministry of agriculture. Apeda, the agricultural & processed food products export development authority is already drafting the document.

India’s success with grapes is increasing - during the last three years, exports increased by 24 per cent while earnings rose 31 per cent. And Apeda is hoping for a boost this season as importers from China, Spain, Poland, Hungary and Norway all showed interest in the fruit at the four-day event. Apeda expects exports to rise by 12,000 tonnes this season as a result. The export window for India is limited to April as the bulk of produce is harvested in March and April, but so far cold storage is inadequate.

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