Economic Analysis of Marketing and Export of Grapes from Maharashtra

The study has examined the trends in arrivals and prices of grapes, the impact of lagged year arrivals or prices on current year arrivals and prices, nature and relationship between arrivals and prices of grapes over a 12year period from 2001 to 2013 in Agricultural Produce Market Committee of Mumbai, Nashik, Nagpur, Pune and Sangli markets. The major marketing channels followed for export and domestic trade were: (1) Producer→Private exporter→ Suppliers to suppermarket→Retailers→Consumer, (2) Producer→Co-operative society→MAHAGRAPE-suppliers to supermarket→Retailers→Consumer, (3) Producer→Commission agent/Wholesaler→Retailers→Consumer, and (4) Producer→Fruit trader → Wholesaler → Retailers → Consumers. Out of the total marketed produce, more than 45 per cent was for export and the rest was for domestic marked including for raisin making. The private traders have 46 per cent share in the total marketed quantity from the farm level. The major markets have shown significant growth rates in prices of grapes. The study has suggested early fruit pruning and promotion of grape export of for reaping the benefit of maximum prices.