Nashik grape exports slip by 9.6% in 2025-26 amid weather shocks

Nashik: Grape exports from Nashik district fell by 9.6% in the 2025-26 season (April–Nov), declining to 1.4 lakh tonnes from 1.6 lakh tonnes a year earlier, as adverse weather conditions disrupted production and reduced export-grade output.Exporters attributed the decline to prolonged and unseasonal weather events, including continuous rain from May 6 to mid-Oct last year and hailstorms between March 19 and April 3 this year, which damaged vineyards and compressed the harvest window.Agriculture department officials said initial fears of a steep decline of up to 50% in exports did not materialise, as improved crop management and sustained international demand helped limit losses to single digits."Weather conditions had a significant impact on yield and quality, but farmers and exporters managed the situation well," said Mahesh Vethekar, the deputy director (horticulture), Nashik.Despite the drop, export volumes remained close to last season's levels, underlining the sector's resilience. Europe continued to be the primary destination, with around 79,000 tonnes shipped this season, while 62,000 tonnes were exported to non-European markets, including Russia. In comparison, last year saw 1.1 lakh tonnes exported to Europe and 46,000 tonnes to other countries.Nashik retains its dominance in India's grape export landscape, with cultivation spread across 58,367 hectares. Niphad leads with about 22,000 hectares under grapes, followed by Dindori (15,758 hectares), Nashik (11,671 hectares) and Chandwad (5,148 hectares), with smaller pockets in Baglan and Kalwan.Industry stakeholders say efforts are underway to stabilise exports and mitigate climate risks. Exporters are increasingly focusing on resilient crop varieties to safeguard yields and maintain quality."We are in talks with Centre to facilitate the introduction of new export-oriented varieties, especially those resilient to rain during harvest. This will help protect quality and improve export volumes in the coming years," said Kailas Bhosle, the president of the Grape Exporters Association of India (GEAI).