Constraints in Production of Grapes: A Study among the Grapes Cultivators in Dindigul District, Tamil Nadu

Grapes are widely consumed as fresh fruit in India. Grape not only serves as a table fruit but also a great value. Therefore, it has gained enormous commercial value. The grape is a perfect food and a fairly good source for minerals like Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron and Vitamins like Bl and B2. Its juice is a mild laxative and acts as a stimulant to the human kidney. The grape cure is the quickest cure as the grape sugar is immediately taken into the blood circulation without undergoing tine process of digestion Basic (Shackleton 2003). Introduction of grapes into South India seems to have yet another course. The grape was introduced at Melapatti, a village near Krishnagiri in Salem district of Tamilnadu by a French priest in 1832. A little later, a French Jesuit priest to Fr.Larney at Michel Patti village in Madurai district introduced it in 19th century Rengasamy Ayyanger, Dindigul district was selected for the present study, as it is one of the most important grape producing regions in Tamil Nadu. Black Seed and Green Seedless varieties of grape are grown in this district. The main objective of the study is to identify the constraints faced by grape growers in production of grapes in Dindigul district and also to study the area and production of grape growers in Dindigul District