Product Description: Selecting the proper variety is a determining factor to the success of a table grape vineyard. There are seeded and seedless varieties of grapes and the later is preferred for table grape production. Three important species and one hybrid group comprise most grape production in the world. The muscandine species primarily used as table grape or fresh fruit is a vigorous and disease tolerant type compared to the two types. The second species known as the concord American bunch or fox grape is primarily used for sweet grape juice and associated products. The third is called the old world grape or wine grape. All grape types can be used as wine, table, and raisin grapes. However, seedless grape types are preferred for table grape production. There are over ten seedless varieties for table grape production of which flame seedless and Glenora varieties have excellent barry quality. Thompson seed less, Blush seedless, radiance, Romulus and Vanessa varities have good berry qualities. These varieties could be tested for adaptability to the Amhara Region and selection could be made for further production.
Rationale: Grapes can be grown at altitude of 900 to 2000 meters above sea level. The crop needs dry weather with no rainfall summers, low humidity and mild winter temperature. It requires 400 to 500 millimeter of rainfall per season. The optimum temperature for good production ranges from 20 to 320C. Very deep, well drained, sandy loam texture soil is best for grape production. Such suitable natural conditions are prevalent in the Amhara Region. Having such conducive environment, table grapes can be successfully grown in the region.
Market Potential: Table grapes can be consumed as fresh fruit and raisin. Fresh table grape consumption is widely known in the country better than any other fruits. It is also demanded by big hotels to be served as versatile and convenient for use and even it can be served after main meal. Church will be the sole market for raisin. Hence domestic sales will be and continue to be the main market in the introductory stage of table grape production. At initial stage the vineyard size should be very small until the optimum production system is worked out. As experience is gained and production expanded, export markets can be developed.
Production Process: Table grapes markets require high quality standard at the point of sale. As a result, table grape production demands hand labour, technical knowledge and experience. All initial plantations should be very small until optimum production system and many specific details are worked out. Marketing, finance labour and knowledge will be very important factors in determining the vineyard size. Knowledge of the grapes natural requirements (Climate, soil, site, and planting materials), crop management plan (vine training, pruning systems, varieties selection, weed control, disease and pest control etc) should precede planting. Healthy one year old root stocks should be used for planting. Vines should be ordered from a well known source well in advance of the planting date.
A hole as large as the root system is required to plant the vine. After planting, pack the soil tightly around the vine and water it immediately with sufficient water. From the second to the fourth year pruning and canopy management should be practiced. Fertilization weed and pest control measures should strictly be followed. Irrigation water application will double production average table grape production is expected to be 150 quintals per hectare. Birds and other predators can be a serious problem at harvest time. Table grapes are harvested when they taste good.
Source of Raw materials: Planting materials for table grape production are not locally available. Flame seed less, Reliance, Glenora and Blush seedless varieties should be imported from Italy. France, USA Spain or South Africa. Other materials required for table grapes production such as fertilizer, chemicals and small agricultural tools are locally available.
Estimated Investment: About Birr 142,000 per hectare of an initial investment outlay is required for the perch are of planting materials, pack shed, trellising, irrigation infrastructure, land development etc. The investment cost can be further rectified as there is no vineyard business experience in the country.
Benefits: A vineyard business has a capacity of generating an annual average net profit or income of Birr 97000 per hectare Vineyard will give production at least for 15 years and during this period, it will generate a total of Birr 3.59 million per hectare which is much higher than any other field and horticultural crops except flower.
8. Location:- Awi zones, Bahir Dar Zuria, Bior valley, Borkena River valley could be ideal sites to start vineyard business. Other much better suitable areas could be identified in the region with proper soil and climatic survey.