Approval Granted for Raisin Research Center in Sangli

25-Dec-2025 12:31 PM

Pune. A research center entirely dedicated to raisins is soon to be established in the Sangli region of Maharashtra, considered one of the leading grape and raisin producing areas in India.

This will help improve quality and processing, expand the range of value-added products, and boost raisin production in other parts of Maharashtra as well.

The MLA from Sangli had demanded the establishment of a raisin research center, and the Senate of Shivaji University in Kolhapur recently gave its in-principle approval to a resolution to this effect.

This has paved the way for the establishment of the raisin research center under the university's jurisdiction.

The MLA stated that Sangli is among the leading grape and raisin producing regions in the country, yet despite the development and expansion of the grape processing industry in Maharashtra, there is no research center dedicated solely to raisin development.

Establishing such a research center in Sangli is crucial as it can provide a basis for producers to earn better incomes.

Since Sangli district falls under the jurisdiction of Shivaji University, the university should take the initiative to establish the raisin research center.

It is noteworthy that Sangli's raisin producers have long been demanding a research center, given the increasing competition in the global export market.

Imports of this important dry fruit into India are also increasing, which needs to be curbed. Large quantities of raisins are being imported from China.

The university administration has decided to open the research center immediately at a temporary location, and it will be shifted to a permanent site later.