With an aim to boost the wine industry in the country, the Central government has set up a National Wine Board (NWB) and an ad hoc committee to govern its work.
The decision to this effect was taken at a recently-held meeting, with Rahul Sarin, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
Commenting on this, Sarin said, “The wine industry in the country is growing at a rate of 25 to 30 per cent. However, per capita consumption of wine in India is low compared to other Asian and European nations.
The wine sector in India requires a platform for consolidation of efforts and to develop the sector in an integrated manner. The National Wine Board will accomplish this purpose.”
The Board will help tap domestic and export markets, interact with government, policymakers, lay down standards and norms for improving quality and competitiveness and value addition to growers.
The ad hoc committee, formed to govern the work of the NWB, will be headed by Shamrao Chougule, chairman, Chateau Indage.