Successful Grapes Farming

Grapes are one of the most important crops in the world. It is cultivated for fresh fruits, making wines, and to prepare raisins. However, in India, it is mostly popular for table purposes. The cultivation of grapes is believed to have originated near the Caspian Sea. However, in India, it has become popular since Roman times. The total area devoted to cultivation of grapes in India is about 40,000 ha mainly in areas of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Cultivating grapes has turned out to be a sour experience for growers, particularly in Maharashtra, the largest grower of fruit in the country.

Economic Importance of Grapes

Grape is an important commercial crop for:

● Table purpose

● Export

● Making wines and champagne

● Making raisins

Essential factors for Cultivation

1. Soil should be a fertile and pH range of 6.5 -8.5. The water-holding capacity of the soil should be medium

2. Sub-tropical, hot tropical and mild tropical climatic regions are ideal for

cultivation.

3. October to January is an ideal time for grape cultivation.

4. Spacing for planting depends on soil type, variety, and method of training. The distance between two rows may be 2 – 3 m while the distance between vines within a row will be half of that, accommodating vines from 2000 to 5000 per hectare.

5. Grapes need Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium,

Sulfur, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, and Boron.

6. Drip irrigation is an effective strategy as it efficiently meets the water requirement of the crop.

7. It is necessary to use pesticides to keep your crop away from pest invasion.

And there should be proper post-handling of harvested grapes, which is essential for getting higher market prices and even essential for the export of the crop. The presence of excess moisture on the berries and the handling of a bunch of grapes during harvesting are major regulating factors for loss. Grading should be done for fetching different prices in the market. For packaging

wooden crates or boxes are used. Packaging should be done according to the distance of transportation.