Nestled in the heart of Maharashtra, the Sangli district has carved a name for itself as the “Raisin Capital of India.” Renowned for its golden-green raisins, Sangli plays a pivotal role in India’s dried fruit industry, contributing significantly to both domestic consumption and exports. With over 75% of India’s raisins coming from this region, Sangli’s reputation is built on quality, consistency, and innovation in grape farming and raisin processing.
In This Article:
Geographical Advantage
Sangli lies along the banks of the Krishna River, benefitting from fertile soil and a favorable semi-arid climate. The district includes major grape-growing talukas like Tasgaon, Miraj, Palus, Kavathe Mahankal, and Jath. These areas experience abundant sunshine and low humidity, which are ideal for both growing grapes and naturally sun-drying them into premium-quality raisins.
Grape Varieties and Raisin Production
The raisins produced in Sangli come from several high-yielding, seedless grape varieties:
- Thompson Seedless
- Sonaka
- Tas-A-Ganesh
- Manik Chaman
These varieties are selected for their thin skin, sweetness, and ability to dry evenly without compromising flavor. After harvest, grapes are dried on bamboo racks or trays in sunlit fields or under greenhouses to maintain hygiene and retain nutrients. Modern processing units also use mechanical dehydration, grading, and packaging techniques to meet global export standards.
Types of Raisins from Sangli
Sangli produces multiple types of raisins depending on the grape variety and drying process:
- Golden Raisins: Light yellow to golden in color, dried using sulphur fumigation.
- Green Raisins: Naturally dried without chemicals, retaining a greenish tint.
- Dark Raisins: Sun-dried and turned dark brown due to oxidation, rich in antioxidants.
- Black Raisins: From specific grape varieties, darker and chewier.
Economic Impact and Farmer Empowerment
Sangli’s raisin industry is a lifeline for the region’s agrarian economy:
- Over 50,000 farmers are directly involved in grape cultivation and raisin processing.
- The region annually produces over 1.2 lakh metric tonnes of raisins, with a sizable portion exported.
- Raisin farming has led to socio-economic development in rural Maharashtra, including better irrigation systems, rural employment, and cooperative farming models.
Raisin clusters in Sangli have also attracted foreign buyers from Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, further boosting the local economy.
Geographical Indication (GI) Tag Recognition
In May 2016, Sangli Raisins were awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, officially recognizing their uniqueness and tying their identity to the region. This not only protects the authenticity of Sangli raisins but also enhances their market value internationally.
Challenges Faced by the Industry
Despite its successes, the industry is not without challenges:
- Climate change and unseasonal rains often damage crops and affect drying processes.
- Price fluctuations and market gluts impact farmer incomes.
- Farmers face difficulty in accessing global marketing platforms and navigating export regulations.
- There is a growing need for cold storage and value-added processing units.
However, cooperatives and government interventions are working towards solving these issues through subsidies, insurance schemes, and farmer training programs.
Raisin Export Potential
India exports Sangli raisins to countries such as:
- UAE
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Russia
With increasing demand for chemical-free and naturally dried fruits, Sangli raisins are well-positioned to expand further into health-conscious global markets.
Moving Forward
Sangli raisins are more than just a culinary delight—they are a symbol of agricultural excellence, rural development, and India’s growing soft power in agri-exports. From the sun-kissed vineyards of Tasgaon to the neatly packed boxes ready for export, every raisin tells a story of hard work, innovation, and pride.
With improved infrastructure, government support, and growing global demand, Sangli Raisins are poised to maintain their golden legacy for decades to come.
By – Nikita
