Export Table Grapes (Thompson Seedless) Farming in India 2026
India's flagship seedless grape for premium export markets.
Overview
Thompson Seedless and its clonal selections such as Sonaka, Tas-A-Ganesh and Manik Chaman form the backbone of India's table grape export trade. Grown mainly in the Nashik, Sangli and Solapur belts of Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka, these long, light-green, crisp berries are harvested from December to April, perfectly timed to supply European and Middle Eastern markets during their off-season. Export consignments must meet strict residue limits, berry size and Brix standards, with APEDA-registered farms and pack-houses handling the cold chain. While returns can be excellent, table grape cultivation is capital- and skill-intensive, demanding trellising, precise canopy and bunch management, hormone applications for berry sizing and unsanforgiving discipline on plant protection. For farmers with assured irrigation, technical support and market linkage, export-grade Thompson Seedless remains one of the highest-value horticultural enterprises in India.
Climate
Grapes need a hot, dry climate with low humidity during the growing and ripening period. Temperatures of 15 to 40 degrees Celsius suit the crop, with bright sunshine essential for sugar accumulation and berry colour. Rain or high humidity near harvest causes berry cracking, downy mildew and reduced export quality, so the dry winters of the Deccan plateau are ideal. Frost-free conditions are required.
Soil
Well-drained, deep loamy to sandy-loam soils with good aeration are best. A soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal; grapes tolerate slightly saline and calcareous soils but not waterlogging. Shallow, heavy clay or poorly drained soils lead to root problems. Soil testing before planting helps correct salinity, lime and micronutrient issues common in Deccan vineyards.
Planting & Spacing
Vines are planted from rooted cuttings or grafted on Dogridge or 110-R rootstocks for salinity and nematode tolerance. Common spacing is about 3 metres between rows and 1.5 to 2.4 metres between vines, trained on a Y-trellis, flat-roof bower or extended-Y system. Pruning follows a double-pruning, single-cropping cycle: a foundation (back) pruning around April and a fruit (forward) pruning around October that decides the export crop.
Varieties
Thompson Seedless is the parent; popular clones include Sonaka, Tas-A-Ganesh, Manik Chaman and Sharad Seedless (black). Coloured seedless types like Crimson and Flame are gaining export interest. Newer ARI and grape-research-institute selections aim at better berry size, earliness and rain tolerance. Choice depends on target market, with Europe favouring light-green long berries and the Gulf accepting a wider range.
Care & Management
Drip irrigation with fertigation is standard, matching water and nutrients to the growth stage. Canopy management, shoot thinning, bunch thinning and berry thinning ensure size and even ripening. Gibberellic acid (GA3) dips at defined stages improve berry length and loosen bunches. Export farms follow a documented Good Agricultural Practices schedule, recording every spray to stay within residue limits.
Pests & Diseases
Downy mildew and powdery mildew are the major diseases, worst in cloudy or humid spells, managed by timely fungicide rotation and canopy openness. Anthracnose, bacterial leaf spot and rust thrips also occur. Mealybugs, flea beetles and thrips are key pests. Strict pre-harvest intervals and approved-chemical lists are critical so export consignments clear residue testing.
Yield & Harvest
Grapes are harvested when total soluble solids reach about 16 to 18 degrees Brix and berries show full size and colour, typically December to April. Bunches are cut by hand, field-graded, pre-cooled quickly and packed in punnets or boxes under cold chain. Careful handling prevents berry drop and rachis browning, which are critical for shelf life during sea or air export.
Cost & Profit
Establishment is high, often several lakh rupees per acre for trellis, drip and planting material, with full bearing from the third year. Export-grade yields commonly range from about 8 to 12 tonnes per acre under good management. In the 2025 season exportable Thompson Seedless reportedly fetched around USD 1.5 to 1.7 per kg FOB, while domestic prices ranged widely. Figures vary by year, weather and contract, so verify current rates and costs locally before investing.
These are indicative ranges. Actual cost and income vary by region, market and management, so verify locally.
Market & Demand
Exports go mainly to the Netherlands, UK, Germany, Russia and Gulf countries through APEDA-registered exporters, with Maharashtra dominating shipments. Domestic sales reach metro markets and processors making raisins and juice. Securing a buyer contract or exporter tie-up before the season, plus pack-house and cold-chain access, is essential to capture premium prices rather than selling distress lots in the open mandi.
Subsidy & Support
Support is available under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and state horticulture missions for drip irrigation, trellising and pack-houses, and through APEDA for export infrastructure and certification. National Horticulture Board schemes assist cold storage and capital investment. Eligibility, subsidy rates and procedures change, so confirm current details with your district horticulture office before applying.
Where to grow it in India
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best variety for grape export from India?
When are export grapes harvested in India?
Why is residue testing so important for grape export?
How much does it cost to set up a grape vineyard?
Can grapes be grown outside Maharashtra and Karnataka?
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