United efforts needed to solve problems: Bhujbal

Nashik, Jan 11 (UNI) State PWD and Guardian Minister for the district Chhagan Bhujbal today said united efforts were needed to solve the problems faced by wine industry.

''United efforts on the part of wine manufacturers and grape growing are needed to solve the problems faced by the wine industry'', Mr Bhujbal said addressing a three-day Mahawine International Conference and Exposition on Grapes and Wine, which began here today.

The conference was organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The event is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India whereas, National Horticulture Board is the event partner. It is also supported by Sula Wines and Nashik Valley Grape Wine Producers Association.

Sula vineyards CEO and event Chairman Rajeev Samant, CII Maharashtra state council Chairman Rahul Kirloskar, Divisional Revenue Commissioner Dr Sanjay Chahande and MLC Dr Vasant Pawar were present on the occasion.

Mr Bhujbal further advocated formation of a group which will make efforts to solve the problems of the industry of the state or the Centre or other levels. He also said that growth of wine culture and solution to problems in wine and grape production will double the speed of growth of the wine industry. He also urged wine industry people to be ready for competition especially, with foreign wines as well as other drinks.

Dr Vasant Pawar, in his speech suggested the wine manufacturers to develop a jointbrand 'Godavari valley wine brand.' ''This will reduce the investment and marketing cost each individual manufacturer bears for his brand'', Dr Pawar said. He also stressed the need for good marketing and reduction in production cost for the growth of the wine industry as a whole and particularly Nashik wine industry.

Dr Sanjay Chahande appealed the wine industry people to try their channels to get tax benefits for the industry and also urged them to come together to arrange programmes in the National capital for the promotion of the Nashik wine industry. On the government's part, he assumed that the green belt around Nashik will be there for the next 20-25 years and will be untouched as the government wants Nashik not to be a concrete jungle but expects agricultural growth along with industrial growth. He said that 300 acres of land has been proposed near Adgaon for IT park and efforts will be made to create an educational hub in Nashik.

CII Maharashtra State Council Chairman, Rahul Kirloskar stated hat there are excessive regulations in India and efforts should be made to ease them. He also said that there was potential for tremendous growth considering the difference between Indian Wines (8 ltrs per person per year) and other countries (32 ltrs per person per year).

Many delegates across the country and foreign delegates are participating in the three-day conference organised here, the wine Capital of India.

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