Maharashtra has played a significant role in India’s grape production, emerging as a key contributor to the country’s grape exports. According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, India exported 3,43,982.34 tonnes of fresh grapes valued at ₹3,460.70 crore ($417.07 million) globally in 2023-24. Maharashtra, along with Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Mizoram, stands out as a major grape-growing state in the country, with Maharashtra leading the pack by contributing over 67% of the total grape output and achieving the highest productivity in the same year.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) reported that the total area under grape cultivation was 1.75 lakh hectares in 2023-24, with Karnataka following Maharashtra as the second largest grape producer with a share of 28%.
One of the success stories in India’s grape cultivation is the transformation in the livelihoods of Nashik farmers. Export-quality grapes from Nashik fetch higher prices in international markets than domestic ones, leading to economic prosperity for the farmers. This has not only improved the living standards of farmers but has also attracted rural youth to take up grape farming. The adoption of advanced technologies such as real-time monitoring systems has ensured the quality of grapes, showcasing the positive impact of export-oriented agriculture, technology, and collaborative efforts in uplifting a region’s socio-economic conditions.
The horticulture sector is rapidly growing in India, with the Survey highlighting that it is more productive and profitable than traditional agriculture. This shift towards horticulture signifies a positive trend in the agricultural landscape of the country, indicating the potential for further growth and development in the sector.
