Anurag Patel, Bhupendra Singh Parmar and Satish Kumar Singh
ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal, India

The cultivation of grapes is called viticultureand it is considered a strengthening and beauty-enhancing fruit. Therefore, grapes are considered the best among fruits. The grape's origin is in Central Asia (the area between the Black Sea and the Caucasian Sea). In the world, apart from India, grapes are mainly grown in countries like the United States of America, Italy, France, Spain, Argentina, China, Iran, Australia, etc. In India, grapes are cultivated in an area of about 155.3 thousand hectares, and the production of grapes was about 3357.7 thousand million metric tons in 2021. Grapes grow in large clusters on vines. Grapes are used in three main ways: (1) for direct consumption, (2) for drying raisins, and (3) for making wine. Nashik is known as the grape capital of India and the best exporter of grapes in the country. This area has been continuously increasing for the last few years. Whereas Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Mizoram, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh are the major producing states. In North India, it is grown in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi.

Grape Nutrients
Grapes are considered the best among fruits. Grapes are a power-enhancing and beauty-enhancing fruit. Grapes are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps balance fluids in your body. Potassium can help reduce high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Most people do not get enough of this nutrient, so eating grapes can help make up for this deficiency. Nutrients like calories, fat, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, protein, etc. are found in grapes (Figure No. 1).

Source: USDA, National Nutrient Database
Figure No. 1: Nutrient content in 100 grams of grapes

Adapted climate for viticulture
Grape cultivation thrives in hot, dry summers with optimal temperatures (15-40°C), rainfall 500-600mm, and soil pH 6.5-7.5. However, high temperatures and humidity can cause diseases. Weather impacts fruit development, texture, and quality. Early-maturing varieties are planted in North India.

Selection of land for gardening
There should be at least 4–5 hectares of land for grape cultivation. Grapes can be cultivated in different types of soils. The root structure of grapes is quite strong. Therefore, it can be grown successfully in gravel, sandy, and clay soil, but sandy and loamy soil, which has good drainage, is best for grape cultivation. It cannot be cultivated in very clayey soil.

Improved grape varieties
The improved varieties of grapes mainly include Beauty Seedless, Parlet, Pusa Seedless, Pusa Urvashi, PusaNavrang, and Flat Seedless, etc.

Planting of vines
It is vital to test the soil before planting. The distance between vines varies depending on the cultivar and production method. Keeping all of this in mind, 3x3x3 meters. After excavating the pits, fill them with half soil, half rotten manure, and 30 grams chloropyriphos (1 kilogram). Superphosphate and 500 grams of potassium sulphate, among other ingredients, are well mixed and filled. Plant one-year-old rooted cuttings in these pits in January. Water the vine right after planting.

Fertilizer application
Grape vines require 200 grams of water after pruning to maintain soil fertility and produce high-quality crops. Potassium sulphate, single super phosphate, and ammonium sulphate are applied after fruits appear, and micronutrients like iron and zinc are sprayed at a 0.2% rate. Organic fertilizers and cow dung manure are used for seedlings.

Pruning of vines
Harvesting and pruning vines at the right time, typically in January and February, is crucial for a continuous harvest. The process involves cutting off fruit-growing spurs, known as renewal spurs, depending on the grape variety. Diseased and withered branches should be removed, and Blytox 0.2 percent should be applied during pruning.

Irrigation and fertigation
Water requirements for grapevines vary based on factors like precipitation, evapotranspiration, plant age, and growing period. Winemaking varieties require fewer irrigation sessions than table varieties. Irrigation is necessary after pruning and until flowering and fruit formation. Precision agriculture uses advanced technology to accurately measure water needs, with producers applying one weekly session using drip irrigation with 50 cm valves.

Grape harvesting
Grapes ripen simultaneously with their ripening, indicating increased sugar and decreased acid. Harvesting occurs in the morning or evening, and well-maintained vineyards yield fruits for 20-30 years. Parlet variety orchards yield 30-35 tons per hectare. Grapes are harvested in various regions, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

Grapes storage
For storing grapes, the temperature is kept at about 2–3 °C to 18 °C, and the relative humidity should be about 65–70 percent. Grapes can be easily stored for 3–5 months.

Grapes Processed Products
Fresh grapes are consumed in large quantities. Numerous goods, including as raisins, wine, grape seed oil, jam, jelly, and juice concentrates, are made from it through processing. 77% of grapes grown in India are used for table, 20% are used to make raisins, 2% are used to make juice, and 1% is used to make wine.

The major health benefits are:
  • Grapes contain antioxidants like polyphenols, including resveratrol, which can prevent tumour growth and leukaemia.
  • The presence of fibre and potassium in grapes aids in cardiovascular health and blood pressure.
  • Resveratrol can decrease atherosclerosis risk and protect the heart.
  • Fibber and water content in grapes aid in good bowel movement and constipation treatment.
  • Contrary to popular belief, grapes are suitable for diabetics, provided they are consumed in moderation.

Conclusion
For viticulture, more production can be achieved by using improved varieties, advanced machines, and new technology. By using machines, production and productivity can be increased by reducing the dependence on labour in viticulture, completing agricultural work with less time and less labour can be increased.