(a) whether sorghum and other foodgrains are being used in wine brewing in various States of the country including Madhya Pradesh;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the subsidy is being provided by several State Governments for the manufacture brewing wine in this way;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the reaction of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES(SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI)
(a) & (b): Alcohol is a State subject. All matters relating
to issuance of license for manufacturing and monitoring etc
are dealt by the respective State Governments. The Ministry
of Food Processing Industries has no information on the use
of sorghum and other foodgrains by States including Madhya
Pradesh for manufacturing wine. However, grapes and other
fruits are used for manufacturing of wines.
(c): Yes, Sir. Some States like Maharashtra and Karnataka
are providing incentives/subsidy to wine being produced from
wine grapes.
(d): State like Maharashtra is providing 16% VAT refund
based on the total MVAT paid @ of 20% by the eligible unit
on the sale of wine manufactured from grapes. The State
Government in Karnataka has brought in Karnataka Grape
Processing and Wine Policy-2007. It is also providing 25%
subsidy upto a maximum of Rs.50.00 lakhs for establishment
of Horticulture crops processing and value addition
industries which also includes grape wine production, and
wine industry has also been declared as “Horticulture and
Food Processing Industriesâ€. The State Govt has simplified
rules for issuing license and permits to wineries and also
reduced the license fee payable.
(e): The Ministry’s mandate is to promote processing of
various agri, horti, meat & dairy products including fruits
& vegetable and foodgrains into value added food products,
thereby, minimizing wastages. It also increases the demands
for such raw materials there by leading to better income
realization to the growers/farmers