MSSL's grape export up 186.91% in FY 2007-08

Mahindra Shubhlabh was set up by the Mahindra Group in the year 2000 with the intention of leveraging the trusted Mahindra engineering prowess to maximize the profitability of the Indian farmers. Currently, Mahindra Shubhlabh exports 95 per cent of its produce to Europe, with the UK being the biggest importer and the rest going to West Asia and South East Asia. It sells to several European retail chains, including Carrefour, J Sainsbury, Albert Heijn, Bama, Morrison.

"Mahindra Shubhlabh exported 3511.79 metric tonnes (MT) of grapes (281 containers) to Netherland, European Union and UK, recording 186.91 per cent rise during the FY 2007-08, against 1,224 MT (102 containers) during FY 2006-07," sources told Business Standard.

The company had reportedly signed a contract with around 775 grape-growers from Nashik and Sangli districts to source export quality grapes. The company sourced 2599.29 MT of grapes (208 containers) from Nashik district and 912.5 MT of grapes (73 containers) from Sangli district.

"MSSL has shown outstanding performance in the export of grapes in last few years. The company's grape export has increased 46-fold in the last four years from mere 78 MT (six containers) in FY 2004-05 to 3511..79 MT (281 containers). The company had exported 375 MT of grapes (30 containers) in FY 2005-06 and 1275 MT of grapes (102 containers) in FY 2006-07.

The company's aim is to provide a one-stop channel through which Indian farmers can access all products, services, knowledge and information that would be required to output produce of Shubhlabh quality. To create this value, MSSL works on all facets of agricultural production- seeds, fertilizers, chemicals, farm finance and agriculture extension service, sources said.