Vol. 7, Issue 11, Part G (2025)

Grape (Vitis vinifera) constitutes a major fruit crop in India, ranking third in area and production after citrus and banana. Globally, grapes account for approximately 68.9 million tonnes of fruit production, underscoring their economic significance. In India, grape cultivation spans about 139 thousand hectares, with a production of nearly 2,920 thousand tonnes in 2017–18 (NHB). Maharashtra is the dominant grape-producing state, contributing 62.7 percent of the country’s total output. The principal grape-growing districts within the state include Nashik, Sangli, Pune, Ahmednagar and Solapur. Due to the highly perishable nature of grapes, a substantial share of the harvest is processed into value-added products such as wine, raisins, and juice. Maharashtra alone houses 69 raisin-processing industries. A study examining marketing costs in five major grape raisin producing districts found that distribution channels with fewer intermediaries yielded higher profit margins for producers. Similarly, an evaluation of 19 raisin-processing units indicated that reduced involvement of middlemen significantly enhanced producer’s returns. The study concluded that direct marketing channels are more advantageous for grape growers, as they increase efficiency and profitability by minimizing intermediary participation. These findings highlight the importance of streamlined distribution systems in improving the economic well-being of grape farmers in Maharashtra.