An award-winning farmer “Dattaraya N Kale of Solapur, Maharashtra” has made a significant breakthrough in the agricultural world by developing the King Berry, a new variety of grape that has been praised for its size, flavor, and market appeal.

Farmers in Maharashtra have developed around a dozen new grape varieties from Vitis Vinifera, highlighting significant contributions to grape cultivation in the region. Notable early farmer-bred varieties include Tas Ganesh (1970), Manik Chaman (1982), Maruti Seedless (1994), Mahadev Seedless (2007), and Sudhakar Seedless (2019). Additional cultivated varieties encompass Red Globe, Krishna Seedless, Sharad Seedless, Fantasy Seedless, and Crimson Seedless. Furthermore, the ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes in Pune has contributed three popular varieties: Manjari Shyama, Manjari Naveen, and Manjari Medika.

Most growers in Maharashtra are part of GrapeNet, a web-based certification and traceability system that tracks fresh grapes exported from India to the European Union, ensuring authenticity and quality from vineyard to international customers.

However, Dattaraya N Kale of Solapur stands out for having developed five new grape varieties over the years. These varieties have gained acceptance not only among growers in Maharashtra but also in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

The 56-year-olds latest creation, the King Berry, launched this February, has generated significant attention due to its impressive size. This elongated black and purple grape variety boasts a berry length of 45-50mm and a width (diameter) of 24-25mm, making it ideal for producing premium raisins. In comparison, grapes grown in India typically range from 12mm to 20mm in length. Its closest competitor is the Super Sonaka, a white-colored table grape that reaches a length of 25mm.

Kales Sonaka Farms in Nanaj, spanning 25 acres, has developed six unique grape varieties to date.

The Innovator Behind the King Berry Grape and Other Groundbreaking Varieties

Dattaraya N Kale, a renowned farmer from Solapur, Maharashtra, has carved a niche for himself in the grape farming industry with his remarkable achievements in developing new and unique grape varieties. Over the years, Kale has introduced five different varieties of grapes, each one gaining attention not only in his home state but also in neighboring regions like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Ten years later, at the age of 31, Dattaraya Kale launched Sharad Seedless, a black grape variety that has since become one of the top varieties grown in India. In 2004, he introduced Sarita Seedless, a variety named after his mother. Reflecting on his first innovation, Kale recalls, I noticed that one particular clone of the Sharad Seedless vine produced larger-sized berries. I closely monitored it for three years and realized this clone was distinct and unique from the rest.

Kales passion for innovation in grape cultivation has led to the creation of his latest variety, the King Berry, which has already made waves in the industry. Launched in February, the King Berry is an elongated grape that has attracted significant interest due to its impressive size. With berries reaching lengths of 45-50mm and widths of 24-25mm, this black and purple variety is well-suited for making premium raisins. Compared to the average grape size in India, which ranges from 12mm to 20mm, the King Berry stands out as a remarkable achievement in size. Its closest competitor is the Super Sonaka, a white table grape that reaches a length of 25mm.

While Dattaraya Kale earns between Rs 165 and Rs 170 per kg from exports, local sales yield him Rs 80 per kg, and his King Berry raisins command an impressive price of Rs 600 per kg.

He has developed five unique grape varieties, three of which are registered with the National Innovation Foundation, while the other two—King Berry and Danaka Purple Seedless—are currently in the registration process.

Dr. R G Somkuwar, Acting Director of ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes (NRCG), praises the Kale familys contributions to developing new grape varieties, stating that their work is exemplary and widely adopted by growers. The new variety, King Berry, holds great promise for growers, based on what I have learned, he adds."

Dattaraya Kales Innovative Grape Varieties Transforming Cultivation Across India

A dedicated serial farmer-breeder, Kale has established a nursery to sell the grafts of his developed grape varieties. "We take great care in preparing the grafts to ensure a survival rate close to 100% and ensure fruiting begins at the optimal time," he explains. "Since grafting requires good humidity, we use foggers in the nursery to create the perfect environment."

Among his innovative varieties, Sarita Seedless and Nanasaheb Purple Seedless have been widely embraced by growers due to their large berry size, excellent taste, and attractive purple color with a litchi-like flavor. These varieties have become highly profitable for cultivation.

The Nanasaheb Purple Seedless variety has spread across four states—Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka—covering over 21,000 hectares and representing 90% of grape cultivation in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Sarita Seedless is predominantly cultivated in Solapur and Nashik, Maharashtra, covering over 17,000 hectares.

Dattaraya Kales King Berry and Six Unique Varieties Elevate Indias Grape Industry

Kales King Berry is just one example of his dedication to advancing the grape industry. His Sonaka Farms, located in Nanaj and spanning 25 acres, has developed a total of six unique grape varieties, each carefully crafted to meet the growing demand for superior quality grapes. These innovations have not only enhanced the reputation of Kales farm but also contributed to raising the standard of grape cultivation in India.

In addition to his technical expertise, Kales grapes are highly valued for their consistency and quality. His success story is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and vision of a farmer who is shaping the future of grape cultivation.

Edited by Gayathri