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India's grape export industry has expanded significantly in the last 20 years, making the country one of the top 10 grape producers in the world.
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Mahindra Agri Solutions Limited (MASL), a part of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., has completed 20 years of exporting Indian table grapes. MASL exports different types of seedless grapes, including Thomson and Sonaka (white), Flame and Crimson (red), and Jumbo and Sharad (black) under the Saboro and Frukinz brands. It works with over 500 farmers from Nashik, Baramati, and Sangli in Maharashtra.
Ramesh Ramachandran, Managing Director and CEO of MASL, said, "We are very proud of what we have achieved in the grapes business over the last 20 years. This milestone shows our commitment to improving farming across the agriculture value chain."
India's grape export industry has expanded significantly in the last 20 years, making the country one of the top 10 grape producers in the world. Maharashtra contributes over 80% of India's grape production, with Nashik being the main growing region due to its suitable climate and soil.
The company started in 2005 with its first shipment to Europe and has expanded to North America, China, and Southeast Asia. MASL's grape business runs from a pack house in Nashik, opened in 2019. The facility holds international certifications like BRCGS, Fairtrade, SMETA, Global Gap, Grasp, and Spring, along with domestic approvals from FSSAI and APEDA.
It has 12 precooling chambers and two cold storage units with a total capacity of 340 metric tons. The 75,000-square-foot facility processes 80 metric tons of grapes daily. The plant employs over 500 workers per shift. MASL says its partnership with farmers has helped increase exportable yields from 2.5 metric tons per acre to 7.5 metric tons. The company supports farmers with guidance on cultivation, irrigation, soil moisture, and nutrient management.
MASL also operates a 15-acre demonstration farm in Nashik to test new farming methods and grape varieties before sharing them with farmers. The Nashik facility follows sustainable practices, including energy-efficient LED lighting, solar power provisions, and a rainwater harvesting system that can collect up to 7 million liters. It also has a sewage treatment plant that provides non-potable water for gardening and other uses.
The European Union and the UK have been the main markets for Indian grapes, but exports to Russia, China, and Southeast Asia have grown in recent years. India's grape export season runs from January to April, aligning with the agricultural cycles of European producers. To mark its anniversary, MASL plans to strengthen partnerships with local farmers by providing more training in sustainable farming. The company is also exploring new domestic and export opportunities for table grapes and other high-value horticultural produce.
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CMV360 Says
MASL's growth in the grape export business depicts how partnerships with farmers and advanced facilities can improve productivity. The increase in exportable yields proves that the right support can make a big difference. Expanding to new markets and focusing on sustainability are smart moves for the company.