Grape exports from Maharashtra’s Nashik district declined by 9.6% during the 2025-26 export season (April–November), falling to 1.4 lakh tonnes from 1.6 lakh tonnes a year earlier, as unseasonal rains and hailstorms impacted vineyard output and fruit quality.
Exporters said continuous rainfall from May to mid-October last year, followed by hailstorms between March 19 and April 3 this year, damaged vineyards and shortened the harvesting window, reducing the availability of export-grade grapes.
Despite concerns that exports could plunge by as much as 50%, improved crop management practices and sustained overseas demand helped contain losses to single digits, according to agriculture department officials.
“Weather conditions had a significant impact on yield and quality, but farmers and exporters managed the situation well,” said Mahesh Vethekar, deputy director (horticulture), Nashik.
Europe remained the largest destination for Nashik grapes, accounting for around 79,000 tonnes of shipments this season, while nearly 62,000 tonnes were exported to non-European markets including Russia. In the previous season, exports to Europe stood at 1.1 lakh tonnes, while other markets imported around 46,000 tonnes.
Nashik continues to dominate India’s grape export sector, with vineyards spread across 58,367 hectares. Niphad has the largest cultivation area at around 22,000 hectares, followed by Dindori, Nashik, and Chandwad.
Industry stakeholders said efforts are underway to strengthen climate resilience and stabilise export volumes. Exporters are pushing for the introduction of new export-oriented grape varieties that can better withstand rainfall during the harvest period.
“We are in talks with the Centre to facilitate the introduction of new export-oriented varieties, especially those resilient to rain during harvest,” said Kailas Bhosle, president of the Grape Exporters Association of India (GEAI).
