National Grape Summit 2025

National Grape Summit, 4th March 2025 at Amanora The Fern, Pune

The National Grape Summit by BCC&I and ICAR-NRCG at Pune

Grapes hold a significant position in India's agricultural landscape as one of the most remunerative fruit crops, contributing substantially to the horticulture sector. With an annual production exceeding 3,900 thousand tons, India ranks among the leading grape-producing nations globally. The country cultivates a diverse range of grape varieties, including table grapes, wine grapes, and raisins, catering to both domestic and international markets.

Despite this impressive production volume, India's grape export potential remains largely untapped, with less than 10% of the total produce reaching international markets. This low export share is primarily attributed to several challenges, including a lack of awareness among growers regarding global market requirements, stringent quality and food safety standards imposed by importing countries, and inadequate post-harvest infrastructure.

To address these challenges, The Bengal Chamber in collaboration with ICAR-NRCG organized the National Grape Summit on March 4, 2025 at Pune, where a large number of industry experts, policy makers, grape growers & exporters, wine makers participated to exchange ideas and sharing experiences. The summit has focus for enhancing farmer education on Good Agriculture Practices, Market Intelligence and Linkages, Marketing of Value-added products and Advancing Viticulture - Wine & Grape-Tourism.

The programme was commenced with the formal Welcome Address by Mr. Jayanta Chakraborty, Chairperson, Agri-Horti-Food Processing-Rural Development Committee of The Bengal Chamber.

The inaugural session witnessed the presence of Dr. Subrata Gupta(IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. of India as the Chief Guest. During the inaugural Dr. Gupta said, "Indian grapes are next Darjeeling tea if marketed suitably." He highlighted viti-tourism, the success of the grape expansion programme in non-traditional areas of India, and the achievements of ICAR-NRCG. He also mentioned about the MoFPI schemes which may be leverage to strengthen processing industries related to grapes.

The programme was addressed by international experts including Mr. Simon Wiebusch, President, Bayer, South Asia. Dr. Nilanjan Sanyal, Head R&D, South Asia, BASF India Ltd. A key moment was the release of the National Referral Laboratories' Technical Bulletin, entitled "Celebrating 20 Years of the NRL's Pesticide Residue Monitoring in Grapes: A Journey of Growth, Development, Success, and Impact," emphasizing advancements in grape production and trade facilitation. The event underscored the importance of research-driven innovations in boosting India's grape industry and global competitiveness.

For promoting grape tourism, the conclave is followed by grape vines and winery visits in Nasik the way tea-tourism is promoted in Darjeeling and other north Bengal districts.

Dr. Subrata Gupta(IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. of India addressing the inaugural session.

Release of the National Referral Laboratories’ Technical Bulletin.

Dr. Nilanjan Sanyal, Head R&D, South Asia, BASF India Ltd was presenting.

Stall.

Stalls for product display and networking.

Stall.

Mr. Jayanta Chakraborty, Chairperson, Agri-Horti-Food Processing-Rural Development Committee of The Bengal Chamber.