How India-U.K. FTA Brings New Hope to Maharashtra’s Small Farmers

Quick Summary:

• Export Expansion: Indian grapes, primarily from Nashik (the grape capital of India), will now enter the UK duty-free under the new India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Earlier, an 8% tariff was imposed.
• Economic Boost for Farmers: Small and marginal farmers like Chhaya Thete and Vijay Wadje see better prospects due to increased competitiveness in markets like the UK.
• Production Scale and Quality: Advanced cultivation techniques have led to higher-quality export-grade varieties like Thompson and ara grapes. Strict quality control is maintained to adhere to stringent European standards.
• collective Farming Success Story: Sahyadri Farms, a Farmer Producer Company (FPC), connects over 14,000 members for grape production. It holds a 17% share of India’s grape exports and recorded sales of ₹1,900 crore in 2025.
• Youth Participation: Despite trends of migration away from farming among youth, some young individuals like Rahul Wadje are innovating within agriculture while also diversifying into allied businesses.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The duty-free access to the UK market under the FTA represents a significant milestone for Indian agriculture exports by leveling the playing field against competitors such as South Africa and Chile. For small-scale farmers-who form over 90% of India’s agricultural base-collective farming has emerged as both an economic necessity and a scalable model for growth. Success stories such as Sahyadri Farms highlight how organized frameworks can lead to improved earnings through better bargaining power, adherence to global standards, and access to international markets.

The focus on strict quality parameters reflects India’s capability in meeting export norms while concurrently expanding learning opportunities that could benefit other crops over time. However, ensuring widespread adoption of these practices will require structural support at both local institutional levels and national policy planning fronts.

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