Maharashtra Grape Harvest Suffers Major Setback with 40-45% Output Decline
The ongoing grape harvest season in Maharashtra has commenced under challenging circumstances, with farmers and agricultural representatives reporting a substantial reduction in output across several key growing regions. According to growers' associations, production has plummeted by an alarming 40-45% in multiple grape belts, marking one of the most significant declines witnessed in recent years.
Harvest Progress Reveals Extent of Damage
Harvesting activities have initiated in parts of Nashik district since January, with export consignments continuing to move despite the reduced availability. However, the overall grape supply remains considerably lower compared to previous seasons, with February and March anticipated to be peak harvest months. Industry experts predict that total volumes will likely remain well below normal levels throughout the harvesting period.
Balasaheb Gadhak, president of the Maharashtra State Grape Growers' Association based in Nashik, emphasized that the true extent of losses has become apparent only as harvesting progresses. "The situation has become clear only now, during harvest. Production is around 40% lower compared to a normal year, and such a large loss is being seen for the first time in several years," he stated.
Root Cause: Extended Monsoon Disruption
The primary factor behind this dramatic production decline traces back to last year's unusually prolonged monsoon season, which began early and persisted for nearly six months. Excessive rainfall and persistent cloud cover critically affected foundation pruning conducted in April—a stage essential for proper internal bunch formation within grape vines.
Gadhak elaborated on the physiological impact: "Because of prolonged rain and lack of sunlight, bunch formation itself did not happen. After October pruning, the bunches did not emerge at all." He further revealed that in Nashik district alone, approximately 25-30% of grape vines have been removed as farmers transition to newer, climate-resilient varieties.
Scientific Analysis Confirms Weather Impact
The National Research Centre for Grapes in Pune has conducted detailed assessments confirming that adverse weather conditions following foundation pruning led to multiple physiological issues across Maharashtra's grape-growing regions, including Nashik, Sangli, Pune, and Solapur. These problems encompassed poor bud fruitfulness, uneven cane maturity, and significantly reduced bunch emergence.
Dr. Kaushik Banerjee, director of NRCG, provided technical insight: "The root cause lay in exceptionally adverse weather after foundation pruning in April 2025. Rains started early in May last year and lingered far longer than usual, with grape-growing areas seeing heavy rainfall through August and September, often with over 15 rainy days a month."
He continued: "Overcast skies and intermittent showers continued till late September and, in some places, into October. Excess rainfall led to waterlogging, high humidity, and poor sunlight, disrupting vine physiology. Cane maturity was affected by excessive vegetative growth and nutrient loss, while reduced sunlight hampered fruit bud formation, resulting in sharply lower yields."
The institute estimates yield losses ranging from 20% to 50% across various regions, with some areas experiencing more severe impacts than others.
Market Dynamics and Grower Response
While current market rates remain firm and export activities continue, the substantially lower volumes have inevitably affected growers' overall returns. However, technological interventions have provided some relief in specific areas.
Dr. Banerjee highlighted a positive example: "With the technological interventions of NRCG, growers could recover well in certain areas, as it happened in Indapur region where growers are getting retail price of around Rs 200 per kg, which is significantly higher than earlier years."
NRCG has also initiated partnerships with medical associations, including the Indian Medical Association's Pune chapter, to promote awareness about the health benefits of grapes, aiming to boost domestic consumption amid reduced production. The institute continues to issue advisories to help growers manage the impact of low yields effectively.
Farmer Perspectives on Sunlight Deficiency
Bharat Jagannath Sonawane, director of the Maharashtra State Grape Growers' Association, emphasized the critical role of sunlight during specific growth stages: "Rain started as early as May. After that, the vines did not get the sunlight they need. Sunlight is crucial during this stage because that is when the bud forms inside the branch. When we prepare the branch, the bud and the bunch need sufficient sunlight to develop properly. But due to continuous rain and cloud cover, that sunlight was missing."
He detailed the growth cycle disruption: "We carry out pruning in April, and from the time the branch emerges, grape development begins internally. This development is completed by October, and sunlight is essential throughout this period. Last year, rain continued from May till around November 15-20. When we pruned in October, the bunches did not emerge at all."
Regional Variations and Historical Context
A grape grower from Pune provided additional context: "The harvest that has started now is mainly from early pruning where vines got some sunlight. Even then, production is down by 30-40%. This has happened after many years—normally, rain begins only after mid-June. Last year, it started far too early."
The widespread impact across multiple districts underscores the vulnerability of grape cultivation to climatic variations, particularly untimely and extended rainfall patterns that disrupt critical growth phases. As harvesting continues through the peak months, industry stakeholders remain focused on managing the reduced output while preparing for future seasons with improved climate adaptation strategies.
