December 20, 2025
This year is proving to be quite challenging for Maharashtra’s raisin industry. Relentless unseasonal rains in the state have severely affected grape cultivation, and this is now directly reflected in export figures. According to official data, only 6,309 tons of raisins were exported from Maharashtra between April and November 2025.
Nashik and Sangli Districts-main centres of grape cultivation
The districts of Nashik and Sangli, considered the main centres of grape cultivation, have borne the brunt of the unseasonal rains. According to local farmers and processors,heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, followed by strong showers in September and October, caused significant damage to the crop. September and October are crucial months for grape ripening and drying, but the rains during this period delayed harvesting and compromised the quality of the fruit.
Demand in International Markets, but low supply
Despite low production and reduced quality, Maharashtra has continued to export raisins to several major countries worldwide, including Morocco, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. However, exporters say that due to the unpredictable weather, the availability of export-grade or high-quality raisins has decreased significantly. As a result, many processing units are operating at considerably less than their capacity. Industry representatives believe that due to the damage to the grape vines, the overall availability of grapes in the market is likely to be low this season. This will affect both the sale of fresh grapes and raisin processing. According to one exporter, the crop damage is so extensive that its impact will be felt across the entire value chain. However, farmers and traders have some hope from the domestic market. They believe that due to low supply and stable demand, the prices of fresh grapes and raisins may increase in the upcoming months. This is expected to compensate, to some extent, for the losses incurred in exports.
The growing threat of climate change
Maharashtra accounts for the largest share of India’s total grapes and raisin production. This season’s adverse weather has once again highlighted how vulnerable high-value horticultural crops are to climate change and erratic weather patterns. This crisis in Maharashtra also points to the weather-related risks faced by the agricultural sector.