In a bid to regulate grape processing activities and improve standards of wine production in India, the government has set up Indian Grape Processing Board (IGPB) in Pune. The IGPB will have regulatory powers for wine industry on similar lines with other establishments like the National Tea Board.
Union minister of state for food processing industries Subodh Kant Sahai launched the IGPB in Pune on Wednesday evening.
The new board will consist of representatives from the wine industry, grape growing farmers, the ministry of food processing, state governments, state wine boards, research institutes, hospitality industry and other relate establishments.
The board will inspect and control the quality of grape growing and wine production, approve lables and form standardisation norms. The board in future would also draft schemes for the international sale of processed grape products.
"The IGPB will work as an autonomous body to ensure better work culture and stringent implementation of rules and regulations. It will also focus on research and development, quality upgradation, market research, domestic and international promotion of Indian wines," said Pradeep Bawadekar, director, Mitcon, a consultancy appointed to set up the IGPB.
As of now, Indian farmers grow 1.6 million metric tonnes grapes annually over 60,000 hectare land. Out of this total produce, only 1.2 per cent is processed in wine industry.
"The board will promote cultivation of grapes meant for wine as wine consumption in India is growing by 25 per cent every year. The export of Indian wines to countries such as Germany, US, UK, Singapore and Belgium is set to hit 1.13 million litres by year 2010. Hence, the baord will play a crucial role in wine industry promotion," Bawadekar stated.