| In order to give further boost to the fast growing wine sector, the government has decided to constitute a National Grape and Wine Board (NGWB) on the lines of existing commodity boards like the Coffee Board, Tea Board etc.
The ministry of food processing industry has prepared a detailed project profile for the proposed board. The report has been accepted by the ministry of agriculture and has been sent to the Planning Commission for its approval. The board will set up its headquarters in Pune or Nashik in Maharashtra , the largest grape growing region in the country. The state has played a leadership and pro-active role during the past five years. The area of 32,000 h/A under cultivation here is growing continuously.
The main objective of the proposed Board will be to give a competitive edge to the grape and wine industry at international level. It will help define policy, develop wine standards, monitor the regulatory norms and compliances, and extend marketing support for wine makers in the international markets.
The most important task before the board would be to develop wine standards and certify different brands for their veracity. No such standards exist in the country as of now and the consumer is kept in the dark about the quality and specifications of wine produced.
It will largely benefit the farmers and investors due to an enormous potential of wine in both domestic and foreign markets. It should also help the consumer by giving him relevant information of what is in the bottle.
The ministry sources also agree that wine should be treated differently than hard liquor. A ministry official said, "Preferential treatment should be given to wine because of the potential value addition to grapes, promoting agricultural diversification and offering higher income to farmers.
|
