Indian grape exports take a hit

India’s table grape production is expected to rise by 200,000 tons to 3.0 million tons, as heavy rains in September and October affected yields in northern Maharashtra, according to USDA data. However, exports are expected to be hit after late-season rains lowered fruit quality and reduced levels of export-quality supplies. Combined with the impact of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, overseas shipments are projected to drop by as much as 45% to 135,000 tons. This may have long-term repercussions if investors no longer see the crop as economically viable, with producers having already taken out large loans in recent years. Pre-lockdown, the season had been looking very promising for the Maharashtra region’s farmers.