Viticulture in UP and its impact on development of UP |ForumIAS

Scientists at the Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture (ICAR-CISH), Lucknow, have identified a popular grape variety, ‘Flame Seedless,’ as well-suited for Uttar Pradesh. This discovery is set to boost Viticulture (grape production) in the state. It breaks the traditional geographic limitations for viticulture, which was primarily restricted to Nasik.

Viticulture in UP

Table of Content

What has been the history of development of Viticulture in UP?
What is the significance of viticulture for UP?
What are the challenges with viticulture in UP?
What should be the way forward for the development of viticulture in UP?

What has been the history of development of Viticulture in UP?

Pre-Independence Era	Grapes were not a major crop in the Indo-Gangetic plains because of their humid subtropical climate, which is less ideal than the dry climates of western India. Small-scale cultivation of table grapes existed in regions with favorable micro-climates, mainly around- Meerut, Saharanpur and Muzaffarnagar. These areas benefited from slightly cooler winters and better drainage. However, vineyard management knowledge was minimal, and productivity remained low.
Initial Institutional Efforts (1950s–1970s)	After independence, agricultural modernization began by- Agricultural universities and research institutions (like Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology and others) conducted experimental trials on grape varieties adapted to UP conditions. However, the focus was on table grapes and not wine grapes. Early varieties assessed included- Perlette and Beauty Seedless. The main challenge remained high humidity, disease pressure, and poor fruit quality.
Expansion Attempts & New Technologies (1980s–1990s)	As irrigation infrastructure expanded, experiments intensified with the introduction of better trellising systems, and trials of improved varieties- Thompson Seedless, Pusa Navrang and Pusa Seedless. There was increased interest among farmers in western UP due to higher market prices and demand in Delhi and NCR. However, acreage remained limited because grapes were seen as high-risk crops due to- Powdery mildew, Downy mildew, Water-logging in monsoon and High management costs.
Modernizing Viticulture (2000s Onward)	Efforts were undertaken to advance viticulture in UP through protected cultivation (polyhouses, low tunnels, and drip irrigation), adoption of Integrated Pest Management, Introduction of climate-resilient varieties by ICAR-IARI. Current grape-growing packets include- Saharanpur, Meerut, Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar, Hapur, and Bareilly region (emerging).
Increase in Viticulture	While UP is still not a major grape-producing state, there has been a steady increase in table grape cultivation for fresh markets. There has been increased adoption of seedless varieties of grapes such as Flame Seedless, Sonaka. There has been expansion of nursery production for grafted rootstocks. Cold-chain development under central schemes improved marketing.

What is the significance of viticulture for UP?

1. High Income and Profitability for Farmers- Grapes provide higher returns per acre compared to many traditional crops like wheat, sugarcane, or mustard. For ex- Table grapes (especially seedless varieties) fetch premium prices in Delhi NCR, one of India’s biggest fruit markets.

2. Crop Diversification- UP’s agriculture is heavily dominated by wheat, rice, and sugarcane. Viticulture helps in- reducing monocropping risks, bringing diversification to the cropping system and promoting high-value horticulture.

3. Employment Generation- Viticulture is a labor-intensive activity involving training vines, pruning, trellising, harvesting, sorting & packaging. This creates regular agricultural and allied employment, especially for women and landless laborers in districts like Meerut, Saharanpur, Muzzafarnagar and Baghpat.

4. Value Addition- Viticulture offers greater addition for value added products such as grape juice, raisins, jelly and jam, vinegar and wines.

5. Climate-Resilient Horticulture- Viticulture encourages adoption of drip irrigation, micro-irrigation, and protected cultivation. It also helps farmers to deal with erratic rainfall and heatwaves.

What are the challenges with viticulture in UP?

1. Unfavorable Climate Conditions- UP’s humid subtropical climate encourages diseases such as Downy mildew, Powdery mildew and Anthracnose.
For ex- Farmers in Saharanpur and Muzaffarnagar frequently report severe downy mildew attacks during monsoon, leading to heavy fruit loss.

2. Excessive rainfall during monsoon- Grapes are sensitive to water stagnation. Heavy rain causes Berry cracking, Root diseases and reduced sweetness. For ex- Rainfall induced grape destruction in Meerut.

3. Extreme Summer Heat- Temperatures in UP often exceed 44–46°C. Due to this high temperature and heat, grape vines experience sunburn on berries, leaf scorching and water stress.

4. Higher pest and disease management costs- Grapes often require regular spraying, precision nutrient management, pruning and canopy control. These increase the production cost of viticulture in India.

5. Lack of Post-Harvest Infrastructure- UP does not have widespread cold storage specialized for grapes, packing houses, and controlled atmosphere storage.

6. Competition From Maharashtra- Maharashtra dominates the Indian grape market with better climate, high technology and strong cooperatives like Nashik. For ex- UP grapes reaching Azadpur Mandi (Delhi) face direct competition from Nashik’s Thompson Seedless, which often gets better prices due to superior uniformity and sweetness.

7. Low adoption of modern infrastructure- UP lacks modern vineyard facilties such as drip irrigation, mulching, and polyhouses.

What should be the way forward for the development of viticulture in UP?

1. Development of Climate-Smart Viticulture- Promote protected cultivation: shade nets, rain shelters, polyhouses. Encourage drip irrigation and fertigation to reduce humidity around the vines.

2. Introduction of UP-Specific Grape Varieties- Collaborate with ICAR-IARI, IIHR, and NRC Grapes to test humidity-tolerant varieties, early-ripening varieties suitable for North India.

3. Establishment of Regional Centres of Excellence- Set up Viticulture Training & Demonstration Centres in Saharanpur, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar and Baghpat.

4. Strengthening of Grape Nurseries- Establish certified nurseries through PPP model. Provide subsidies for grafted vines on disease-resistant rootstocks.

5. Formation of Grape Growers’ Cooperatives / FPOs- Encourage creation of FPOs for viticulture in western UP. Provide training in collective marketing, bulk input purchase, and storage and transport management.

6. Adoption of Modern Vineyard Practices- The focus should be on popularizing high-tech trellising systems (Y-shaped, T-shaped, bower system), biostimulants & integrated nutrient management.

A successful way forward for viticulture in Uttar Pradesh requires a holistic strategy combining climate smart technologies, better planting material and improved extension services. With these interventions, UP can transform areas of western UP into strong hubs for high-value grape cultivation, reducing risks and improving farmer income.

Source- The pioneer