Hyderabad: Anab e Shahi losing out to seedless grapes

Anab-e-Shahi, a delicious grape variety that originates from Hyderabad and fills the mouth with water, just hearing its name, is now on the brink of extinction as more farmers in the state are preferring only seedless and capsule variety of Thompson seedless and its clones owing to their better prices in the markets.

This mouthwatering grape variety was introduced in Hyderabad by Abdul Baquer Khan from Middle East around 1890. 'Anab' is an Arabic word for grape while 'Shahi' carries a 'Royal' connotation. This name was conferred by the then Nizam of Hyderabad during 1943. Later on, Late Shankar Pillay, the then horticulturist in Nizam State was instrumental in commercializing Anab-e-Shahi during 1960's.

This variety have registered a world record in production with 42 tons per acre in 1969 has now confine only to Grape Research Station despite of being described as a variety with spectacular yielding results.

Finding that the climate constitution of Hyderabad is suitable for grapes cultivation than any other fruit, the Agriculture Department of Andhra Pradesh in 1956 was conferred with the responsibility to take up research on grape variety. Andhra Pradesh Grape Growers Association had earlier brought out a souvenir on grape in late sixties and published it with a title "Problems of Grape Production around Hyderabad (Late Satyanarayana, G 1981)."

"Grape growers earlier to 1995 used to grow mainly "Anab-e-Shahi." Later the Thompson Seedless has completely replaced the Hyderabadi delicacy as they consider it as more profitable. Many factors led to a rapid decline of grape cultivation in Hyderabad region, Informed Dr D Vijaya, Principal Scientist, Grape Research Station, Rajendranagar.

Explaining that there are many varieties suitable for juice, table, raisin and wine purposes, she said colour seed varieties have more nutraceutical values in their seed and skin. Grape with seed is good for health. "Moreover, climatic condition of Hyderabad is highly suitable for grape cultivation and consumers should create demand for coloured seeded varieties by consuming them for table and juice purpose," Children should be encouraged to drink fruit juices over aerated beverages she added.