In a boost to farmers growing wine grapes, Sula Vineyards has increased the buying rate for the Harvest ’16 by 10% as against Harvest’ 15.
According to officials at Sula Vineyards, over the last few years, wine has become the preferred drink for an increasing number of Indians which has led the wine industry to grow at the rate of 18% per year. Nashik produces more than 80% of India’s wine. The growth requires Sula Vineyards to keep up with the demand and increase its wine grape production. To encourage growth in grape farming, Sula Vineyards has decided to hike prices by 10% for the coming harvest season, the officials said.
As per popularity of varieties, Sula will pay Rs 35 to Rs 65 per kg with required brix that will give an opportunity to the farmers to earn Rs 2.5 to 3 lakh per acre.
Given the constant growth and popularity of wine consumption, the company is also planning to extend its vineyards by 500 acres in coming year, increasing the number from 2,500 acres to around 3,000 acres. Due to unpredictable weather changes in Nashik, table grape farmers have been facing several challenges.