Mechanization in Grape Production and Current Requirements in Indian Context: A Review

Grape production farming system in India is different than other countries. Grape production mechanization scenario is studied with focus on machinery and tools used in Indian grape orchards. India is 7^th largest producer of grape in the world, however the mechanization in Indian grape farming remains at a preliminary stage compared to other developed countries. Major constraint for low level of grape mechanization is trellising system of growing grapes. The grapes are planted in a row of 1.5 to 2 m and plants climb on trellising system that bounds the grape growers to perform the task manually or with small orchards tractor. It came out from study that potential areas for mechanization in grape production is shoot thinning, de-leafing and harvesting of grape. Proper hand tools with ergonomic designs needs to be developed for shoot thinning and de-leafing. The major attention is required in developing multipurpose machinery that can be utilized round the year to harness maximum economic benefits. This paper presents the study of various tools and equipment used in Indian grape production system and also reveals the need of improved tools and machinery for different unit farm operation in grape production system.