India, Nov. 14 -- Despite the drought in Maharashtra, grape growers in India's grape capital, Nashik, have reason to cheer this year as favourable weather conditions have resulted in higher yield, better-quality produce, and remunerative prices. This comes as a relief to the state's agrarian sector which has been grappling with crop losses following deficient rainfall in several regions. It is also a far cry from last year when prolonged, unseasonal rain damaged a large portion of grapes ready for harvest; lowering average yield to a couple of tonnes per acre in affected vineyards apart from rendering traders reluctant to offer remunerative prices due to poor quality of fruit.

Kailas Bhosale, president, Nashik-based State Grape Growers A...