Maharashtra's Nashik district stands as a significant contributor to the state's grape exports, accounting for 80% of the total. During the November to April 2022-23 grape season, Nashik exported 127,000 tons of grapes. However, the region's grape production has been impacted by adverse weather conditions, affecting the export estimates and posing challenges for the approximately 10,000 farmers engaged in grape cultivation. Grapes, a temperature-sensitive fruit, flourish in conditions ranging from 15-40 degrees Celsius, with optimal rainfall not exceeding 900 mm annually.

R.G. Somkunwar, Principal Scientist at ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes in Pune, highlights the detrimental effects of weather variations on grape cultivation. Extreme temperature fluctuations and water scarcity can hinder grape development, leading to smaller berries and premature sweetness. Additionally, rainfall or hail during the berry development phase can cause rot, while excessive cold may result in berry cracking. Unseasonal rain during the harvest period can devastate the entire crop. Somkunwar explains, "During the formation of bunches in grapes, if the minimum temperature reaches 5-7 degrees Celsius or goes above 35 degrees Celsius, then the colour of the bunches turns pink, people do not like to eat such grapes. Due to poor quality of fruits, farmers do not get good prices for their produce."

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com