Mahindra firm may export 250 containers of grapes

Mahindra Shubhlabh Services Ltd (MSSL), a Mahindra Group company, has set a target of exporting 250 containers of grapes (around 3,000 tonnes) in the present grape season 2007-08 (November '07 to March '08).

The company has reportedly signed a contract with around 775 grape growers from Nashik and Sangli districts to source export quality grapes.

Mahindra Shubhlabh was set up by the Mahindra Group in 2000 with the intention of leveraging the trusted Mahindra engineering prowess to maximise profitability of the Indian farmer.

MSSL has recorded a 17-fold increase in the export of grapes in last three years. In 2004-05, MSSL had exported six containers (72 tonnes) to Europe alone.

In 2005-06, the company exported 30 containers of grapes to Netherlands, Norway, Italy and Greece. During the last grape season (2006-07), the company exported 102 containers of grapes valued at Rs 6.12 crore, to Netherlands and UK.

The company has set an export target of 250-container grapes (3,000 tonnes) for the present grape season (2007-08). The company will source 150 containers from Nashik district, while it will source 100-containers of grapes from Sangli district, through contract farming.

In Nashik district, the company has signed contracts with 700 grape-growers to source export quality grapes from their 1,600 acres of vineyards. In Sangli district, the company has signed contracts with 75 grape growers to source grapes from their 350 acres of vineyards," the company official told Business Standard.

"Our aim is to provide a one-stop channel through which Indian farmers can access all products, services, knowledge and information that would be required to produce grapes of 'Shubhlabh quality'. To create the value, MSSL works on all facets of agricultural production " seeds, fertiliser, chemicals, farm finance and agriculture extension service," he added.

Mahindra Shubhlabh exports 95 per cent of its produce to Europe, with the UK being the biggest importer and the rest going to West Asia and South East Asia. It sells to several European retail chains, including Carrefour, J Sainsbury, Albert Heijn, Bama and Morrison.