(a) whether the wine industry in the country provides considerable opportunities for value addition and employment generation in the wine processing sector;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the steps being taken to promote and encourage wine
processing in the country; and
(d) the details of States which have shown interest in wine
processing alongwith financial assistance provided for the
purpose during each of the last three years?
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI)
(a) to (d): Wine is primarily produced from grapes. The value
addition to grape improves significantly when used for processing
into wine. Wine market in the country is growing at over 25% per
annum. Presently, less than one percent of grapes produced in
the country is used for processing into wine. There is a great
opportunity for growth of wine processing sector, which has
tremendous potential to generate large employment both at the
farm as well as at industry level.
Maharashtra, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh have shown
interest in developing their wine industry. To promote and
encourage wine processing industry in the country, the Ministry
of Food Processing Industries offers financial assistance to wine
units under its Plan Schemes for setting up/upgradation/
modernization. However, financial assistance has not yet been
availed by wine industries.