April 18: Due to lack of domestic production, grape imports are increasing, Nepalese consumed 10.5 billion worth of grapes in 5 years

Nepal has imported grapes worth more than Rs 1 billion in the first eight months of the current fiscal year. According to the data of the Department of Customs, Nepal imported 1,30,82,426 kilograms of grapes worth Rs 1.22 billion from mid-July to mid-March.

During the corresponding period last fiscal year, Nepal had imported 1,24,70, 085 kilograms of grapes worth Rs 938.9 million. The data shows that the import of grapes in the first eight months of the current fiscal year increased by 4 percent in quantity and 30 percent in price compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year.

Nepal mainly imports grapes from China and India. In the review period, Nepal imported the maximum quantity of grapes from India. According to the department, Nepal imported 1,24,46, 094 kg of grapes worth Rs 1.08 billion from India alone. Similarly, it imported 636,332 kilograms of grapes worth Rs 133.63 million from China.

According to the data of the department, the country imported 210.71 million kilograms of grapes worth Rs 10.43 billion in the last five years.

Wine industries operating in Nepal also import grapes as raw materials.

The grapes found in the market of Nepal are mostly from India. The consumers in the country are forced to buy imported grapes due to lack of production in Nepal.

According to businessmen, the production of grapes in Nepal is almost zero and therefore the country relies on imported grapes to meet the market demand.

“Except for some people growing grapes for personal consumption, there is hardly any commercial farming of grapes done in Nepal. Since there is no production, we have to rely on imports," says Amar Baniya, president of the Nepal Fruit Wholesalers Association

"The prime season of grapes spans from January to March. Until March, all the grapes come from India and from April onward, the stored grapes come from China. As a result, its price also increases,” he added.

According to Baniya, the wholesale price of grapes was Rs 110-120 per kg until a few days ago, but now it has reached Rs 150-160 per kg. Baniya said that the price will increase as the stored grapes from China arrive in the market from now onwards.

He further said that grapes are available in the market throughout the year as grapes are imported from different countries in different seasons.