Raisins (kishmish) farming guide in India with full details on cost, yield and profit per acre in 2026. Learn grape varieties, processing, drying methods and income.
.png "Raisins Kishmish Farming in India Cost Yield and Profit Per Acre")
Raisins (kishmish) farming in India is a high-return, processing-driven agribusiness built on grape cultivation. Unlike almond or walnut, kishmish farming delivers faster cash flow, scalable profits, and strong export demand—making it one of the most commercially attractive dry-fruit businesses for Indian farmers in 2026.
This guide gives you execution-level clarity on raisin farming—covering cost, yield, profit per acre, varieties, processing economics, and real-world risks. No theory. Only what works.
What Is Raisins (Kishmish) Farming?
Raisins are produced by drying seedless grapes under controlled conditions. The profitability of kishmish farming depends on two linked systems:
-
Grape cultivation
-
Post-harvest drying & processing
Farmers who master both earn 2–3× more than those selling fresh grapes.
Why Raisin Farming Is a Strong Business in 2026
From a business perspective, raisin farming checks all the right boxes:
-
High domestic consumption + export demand
-
Shelf-stable product (no distress selling)
-
Multiple grades = flexible pricing
-
Faster ROI compared to tree crops
-
Suitable for contract farming and branding
In short: processing converts grapes into a premium asset.
Climate Requirements for Raisin (Kishmish) Farming
Climate suitability decides success more than land size.
Ideal Climate
-
Warm, dry climate
-
Temperature: 15°C–40°C
-
Low humidity during ripening & drying
-
No rain during harvest period
Excess rainfall or humidity during drying ruins quality.
Best Regions for Raisin Farming in India
India has clear grape belts suited for kishmish:
-
Maharashtra (Nashik, Sangli, Solapur, Pune)
-
Karnataka (Bijapur, Bagalkot)
-
Telangana (select irrigated belts)
-
Andhra Pradesh (limited pockets)
-
Tamil Nadu (trial basis)
Maharashtra dominates due to climate + infrastructure.
Soil Requirements for Kishmish Farming
Ideal Soil
-
Well-drained sandy loam
-
Medium black soil
-
pH range: 6.5–7.5
Avoid
-
Waterlogging
-
Saline soils
-
Heavy clay without drainage
Good drainage = good raisins.
Best Grape Varieties for Raisins
Variety selection determines raisin quality and price.
Popular Seedless Varieties
-
Thompson Seedless
-
Tas-A-Ganesh
-
Sonaka
-
Manik Chaman
-
Sharad Seedless
Choose varieties with:
-
High sugar content (TSS)
-
Uniform berry size
-
Good drying recovery
Vineyard Establishment Cost (Per Acre)
Initial Setup Cost (Year 1)
-
Land preparation & layout
-
Planting material
-
Trellis system (bower)
-
Drip irrigation
Approximate cost: ₹4–6 lakh per acre
This is capital-intensive—but long-term profitable.
Spacing & Plant Density
-
Spacing: 8 × 10 ft (common bower system)
-
Plants per acre: 500–550 vines
Proper spacing improves air circulation and quality.
Irrigation Management
-
Drip irrigation is mandatory
-
Regular watering during growth
-
Controlled water stress before harvest improves sugar
Over-irrigation reduces raisin quality.
Nutrient Management
Balanced nutrition is critical for berry size and sweetness.
Key Nutrients
-
Nitrogen (controlled)
-
Potassium (very important for sugar)
-
Calcium (berry firmness)
-
Micronutrients (Zn, B)
Fertigation improves efficiency.
Pruning & Crop Regulation
Raisin grapes require annual pruning.
Two Main Prunings
-
Foundation pruning
-
Fruit pruning
Crop regulation ensures:
-
Uniform berries
-
Consistent drying
-
Higher recovery %
Poor pruning = poor profit.
Pest and Disease Management
Common Pests
-
Thrips
-
Mealybugs
-
Mites
Common Diseases
-
Powdery mildew
-
Downy mildew
-
Anthracnose
Preventive spraying is cheaper than cure.
Harvesting Grapes for Raisins
-
Harvest when TSS is optimal
-
Uniform maturity is essential
-
Harvest carefully to avoid berry damage
Bad harvest handling reduces grade.
Raisin Processing (Where Real Money Is Made)
Main Drying Methods
-
Sun drying
-
Shade drying
-
Tunnel / chamber drying (premium)
Processing Steps
-
Dipping (alkali/oil solution)
-
Drying (10–20 days)
-
Grading
-
Cleaning
-
Packaging
Better drying = better color = higher price.
Raisin Yield Per Acre
Average Yield
-
Fresh grapes: 8–10 tons per acre
-
Raisin recovery: 25–30%
-
Final raisins: 2–3 tons per acre
Yield varies by variety and management.
Raisin Price in India (2026 Outlook)
Prices depend on color and grade.
-
Brown raisins: ₹180–250/kg
-
Golden raisins: ₹300–450/kg
-
Export-grade raisins: higher
Golden raisins offer the highest margin.
Profit Per Acre from Raisin Farming
Conservative Estimate
-
Raisin yield: 2,500 kg
-
Average price: ₹250/kg
-
Gross income: ₹6.25 lakh
Expenses
-
Annual cost: ₹2–2.5 lakh
Net Profit
₹3.5–4 lakh per acre/year
Premium systems earn more.
Intercropping & Rotation
-
Intercropping not recommended
-
Focus on vine health and airflow
Quality > quantity in kishmish farming.
Common Mistakes Beginners Must Avoid
-
Choosing wrong variety
-
Ignoring humidity risk
-
Poor drying infrastructure
-
No grading or branding
-
Selling in distress
-
Skipping crop regulation
Kishmish farming rewards discipline and planning.
Is Raisin Farming Right for You?
Choose raisin farming if:
-
You are in a dry grape-growing region
-
You can invest upfront
-
You plan processing seriously
-
You think commercially
Avoid it if you want low-investment farming.
Final Verdict: Raisin (Kishmish) Farming in India (2026)
Raisin farming is one of the most profitable short-cycle dry fruit businesses in India. The key is not grapes—but processing control.
Think of raisins as:
A value-added crop where discipline converts sugar into cash
Get the variety right, manage drying properly, and market smartly—the numbers will follow.
