Top 20 Grapes to Grow in India: List of Grapes to Grow for High Profits

Grapes are a delicious fruit and a lucrative agricultural business, especially in India, where the climatic conditions are conducive to growing grapes. With a myriad of grape varieties to choose from, farmers can optimize both yield and profit. However, not all grapes are equal in terms of market demand, ease of growth and profitability. This is why it is crucial to know which grape varieties offer the best return on investment. In this blog, we will look at the top 20 most popular and profitable grape varieties to grow in India.

Overview of Grape Production in India

Grape cultivation in India thrives in warm to temperate climates, especially at altitudes above 250 meters. State-of-the-art packing plants equipped with automated forced-air systems are widespread in major production areas, improving quality and safety through residue monitoring and product traceability. Of more than 20 grape varieties, only 12 reach commercial importance and are classified into four types: colored and white, each of which is divided into seeded and seedless.

Thompson Seedless dominates the landscape, covering nearly 79% of the acreage under grapes in 2021. Maharashtra spearheads grape production, contributing over 70% of the national yield, followed by states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Economically, grapes are important, covering 2.3% of the total area under fruit cultivation in India. Moreover, India exported about 267,950 tons of grapes in 2022-2023, generating about $313.7 million in revenue.

Grapes, naturally classified as berries, represent a diverse family with over 50 species and more than 7,500 varieties grown worldwide. The vine they grow is equally impressive, capable of reaching lengths in excess of 45 feet. A single plant can produce up to 35-40 bunches of grapes, making it a very prolific fruit. The vine leaves are particularly large, green and partially lobed, which is another defining characteristic of the plant.

Nutritionally, grapes are primarily water-based and low in calories, making them a great snack for weight management. They are a wealth of vitamins and minerals, providing significant amounts of vitamins A and B and essential minerals like iron. Grapes are not only delicious, but also have multiple health benefits. They provide therapeutic benefits for a variety of conditions, including asthma, digestive problems, and kidney disorders. Additionally, grapeseeds are particularly healthy due to their high antioxidant content, which helps fight free radicals in the body.

Grape growing techniques in India Morphological characteristics: The vines have helices and tendrils, which are modified inflorescences. The leaves are large, heart-shaped and have prominent veins. The shape, color, leaf size, and fruit may vary depending on the specific variety. Grapes: India grows over 20 varieties of grapes, but only 12 are commercially significant. Thompson Seedless and its clones dominate 55% of the total cultivated area. Bangalore Blue, Dilkhush and Anab-e-Shahi each constitute about 15% of the area. Major Producing States: Maharashtra is the top grape producer, especially in districts like Nasik, Pune and Ahmednagar. Other major producing regions include Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Climate and Soil Requirements: Grapes are versatile and can grow in temperate, tropical and subtropical climates. The ideal climate is Mediterranean. Soil should be well-drained, sandy to loamy, with a pH below 8.7. Poorly drained alkaline soils are not suitable.

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