Shillong, Sept 15: To boost the local economy and harness the untapped potential of its fruit-based offerings, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma unveiled an ambitious plan to promote the fruit wine industry within the state.
The Chief Minister revealed that a comprehensive policy framework has been meticulously crafted to foster an environment that seamlessly integrates tourism, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities while championing local fruit winemakers.
The announcement came during the inauguration of the North East Wine Incubation Centre at Mawdiangdiang in Shillong, a historic moment in the region’s pursuit of excellence in winemaking. Chief Minister Sangma recounted a personal experience that sparked this visionary initiative. He vividly described encountering a homemade pineapple wine, presented in a humble, handcrafted label on a beer bottle.
Inauguration of the North East Fruit Wine Incubation Center at @ihmshillong, a 1st of its kind Fruit Wine Incubation Center in the North East region.
Meghalaya aims to be the Fruit Wine Capital of India and this initiative will guide wine makers from across Meghalaya in wine… pic.twitter.com/jWfoUII2iy
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) September 14, 2023
Despite the unassuming packaging, the wine inside left an indelible impression. This encounter, coupled with discussions and observations, laid the foundation for a realization — that Meghalaya possesses immense potential within the fruit wine industry.
Chief Minister Sangma underscored the broader significance of this endeavor, highlighting its capacity to harmoniously connect tourism, agriculture, and job creation. He firmly believes that this initiative has the power to unlock dormant potential on a significant scale. With an unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in individuals’ lives, Sangma envisions transforming Meghalaya into the fruit-wine capital of the country.
To achieve this ambitious goal, he called for collaboration among all stakeholders, including winemakers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and the government.
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Addressing concerns about licensing and accessibility for winemakers, Chief Minister Sangma assured the public that licensing fees would remain nominal. The government is actively streamlining the registration process to ensure easy access for local winemakers, eliminating any unnecessary barriers.
Meghalaya’s journey towards establishing a thriving fruit wine industry began in September 2020, with amendments to the Meghalaya Excise Rules. These changes legalized the production and sale of homemade wines under license, creating a legitimate avenue for local winemakers to turn their craft into a commercial venture. The amendment not only fosters wine tourism but also stimulates the horticulture sector’s growth, encouraging commercial cultivation and production of indigenous fruits.
