NGO to promote organic grape cultivation

A Bangalore-based non government organisation (NGO), International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA), has proposed to promote organic grape cultivation in Maharashtra, a major grape growing state in the country.

The NGO has submitted a detailed project report to the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) for financial assistance.

The government of Maharashtra had earlier put forward a similar proposal to encourage farmers to grow organic grapes for exporting them to European countries but the project is yet to take off.

Ramesh Harve, president, ICCOA, said, "We had earlier signed an agreement with the government of Maharshtra. But now we have decided to undertake the project on our own after the state government failed to launch the project. We wish to make use of funds dedicated by NHM for promoting organic agriculture across the country. We have already submitted a proposal to NHM for financial assistance."

To begin with, Harve said, ICCOA proposes to undertake cultivation of organic grapes in about 500 acres in Nashik district. Later, it will be extended to other grape growing parts of the state.

"At present we are in the process of identifying farmers in this area who are willing to use organic cultivation methods in their vineyards. Our aim is not only to encourage these farmers to grow organic grapes but also to manufacture organic wine and form a farmers body," he said.

Initially, 200 farmers would be engaged in the cultivation of organic grapes on 500 acres in Nashik district of Maharashtra. While the NHM would provide 75 per cent of the funds, the farmers would have to shell out the rest, Harvey said.

"Maharashtra is entitled to get a grant of Rs 28 crore from NHM for this purpose. We have also told the government to utilise the funds towards cultivation of organic grapes in the state," Harvey said.

He said potential buyers in Europe are also ready to provide technical assistance to set up a wine manufacturing unit in Nashik, which is known for seedless variety of grapes in the country.