Post-independence scenario of table grape cultivation in India

Abstract

Grape is a high value export oriented fruit crop which has gained significance in India due to location specific suitable modifications. Now it is being practiced in almost all climatic conditions from tropical to temperate and spread over different states of the country. Grape cultivation on a commercial basis is about seven decades old in India and now considered as most remunerative amongst all fruit cultivation in the country. In India around 78–80% of grape is produced for fresh consumption and about 17–20% for raisin making and around 2% collectively for juice and wine production. If we looked 75 years back, the country has shown implausible progress in the grape production. The endeavors of Indian research institutes and innovative grape growers in respect of varietal development, adoption of grape rootstocks and modification of grape cultivation practices pertinent to Indian climatic conditions has made India prominent table grape producing country in the world next to China. To lead global market of table grapes, India needs indigenous grape cultivars with better fruit quality, varieties with vivid aromas/flavors, wider adaptability, climate resilience and inherited tolerance against biotic as well as abiotic stresses. Besides widening of varietal base and development of abiotic stress tolerant rootstocks some important areas needs to be look into like adoption of protected cultivation, off-season availability and mechanization friendly crop husbandry techniques for enhancing the export potential of the country.