Indian grape-growers who have been trying hard to maintain and expand table grape exports to the European Union received a boost with the launch of a new web-based software called GrapeNet that enables better monitoring of pesticide residue in grapes.

Monitoring of pesticide residue and achieving product standardisation are essential to the growth of the Indian grape export industry. Subsequent to the issuance of 17 Rapid Alert Notifications by the European Commission, on the grounds of detection of high levels of pesticide residue in Indian grapes exported during the 2003 grape season, APEDA (the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority ) had undertaken several initiatives to ensure that grapes containing high levels of pesticide residue are not exported.

Laboratories for testing were upgraded, export of grapes was allowed only from APEDA-recognised pack houses, and a project to implement and certify Eurepgap Standards in more than 300 grape orchards was started to ensure the adoption of recommended cultivation, processing and packaging practices as required by EU markets. Farm registration was introduced with periodic inspection as a compulsory requirement before sampling for the purposes of residue analysis.

The GrapeNet software adds to these efforts by tracing the origin of the produce from shelf to farm, at the click of a mouse.

By clicking on the phytosanitary number, or Agmark number, one can reach the certificate-issuing authority directly and, thereafter, access the inspection reports of laboratory analysis, certificate of residue analysis, and pack house details.

Traceability has helped 40,000 grape farmers come together and apply uniform farming practices. Due to increased accountability in the system, farmers have earned 40% more value for their grapes. The export value has grown from 8 euro to 11.5 euro for a pack of 5 kg, in 2006-2007.

The export of table grapes from India has doubled in the last three years. The present level of exports (2005-06) is in the order of 40 million euros. About 55,000 MT of grapes were exported in 2005-06, out of a total production of around 1.5 million tonnes. Eighty per cent of exports were from the western state of Maharashtra.

June 23, 2007