High rainfall caused vine physiology disorders like "filage," leading to a dramatic reduction in yield and a surge in domestic market prices.

India’s table grape industry is growing fast, led by innovative varieties, expanding exports, and a focus on quality and global competitiveness.

The Nashik district - which produces almost all of the country's export-bound grapes - has so far sent 112,000 tons to overseas markets.

After suffering heavy losses in the last two seasons, grape farmers have resolved to decide the rates of fresh grapes based on their variety and quality, from the next year.

Tens of thousands of young and old farmers have blocked roads leading into New Delhi for more than two months, protesting new agricultural laws they say benefit private buyers at the expense of growers.

Some 25 years ago no grapes were exported from India, but thanks to Nitin Agrawal's guidance it is now a booming industry exporting 187 million MT annually.