Grape processing board set up

In a bid to regulate grape processing activities and improve the standard of wine production in India, the government has set up the Indian Grape Processing Board (IGPB) in Pune. IGPB will have regulatory powers for the wine industry on the lines of such establishments as the National Tea Board.

Union minister of state for food processing Subodh Kant Sahai inaugurated the board in Pune last week. It will include representatives from the wine industry, grape growers, the ministry of food processing, state governments, state wine boards, research institutes, hospitality sector and other related establishments. The newly-formed board will inspect and control the quality of grape cultivation and wine production, approve labels and establish standardisation norms. The board, in future, will also draft schemes for international sale of processed grape products.

“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 upgrade, market research, domestic and international promotion of Indian wines,” said Pradeep Bawadekar, director, Mitcon, a consultancy appointed to set up the board.

As of now, Indian farmers grow 1.6 million tonnes of grapes annually over 60,000 hectares. Of this, only 1.2 per cent is processed by the wine industry. “The board will promote the cultivation of grape meant for wine, since wine consumption in India is growing at 25 per cent every year.

The export of Indian wines to countries such as Germany, the US, the UK, Singapore and Belgium is set to hit 1.13 million litre by 2010. Hence, the board will play a crucial role in wine industry promotion,” Bawadekar stated.