Mizoram to set up grape based wineries

Aizawl, Apr 18: The state government has decided to set up more wineries with the enactment of Mizoram Total Liquor Prohibition (MTLP) (Amendment) Bill, 2007.

Official sources here today said at least two grape based wineries will be set up in the northern part of the state after the Assembly unanimously passed the Bill for commercialisation of home-grown grapes and guavas in larger scale.

About 7500 MT of grapes were produced from 549 hectares area, according to an official estimation.

State Agriculture Minister H Rammawia said 16,500 hectares area would be utilised for grape cultivation in the eastern part of the state by 2008 with a potential of growing an additional 250,000 MT grape per annum.

It is also proposed to have two plants with crushing capacity of 300 tonnes per day.

The MTLP Act came as an obstacle to grape farmers because wine made from the fruits fell under the Act, which ensures that wine made from grapes and guava does not contain alcohol higher than permissible percentage.

Bangalore Blue variety of grapes, a typical wine variety, is being produced in the eastern parts of Mizoram.

The state is expected to earn a revenue of Rs 2095.25 lakh per year from grape wine, officials said.

UNI