Meghalaya CM launches Northeast Fruit Wine Incubation centre to boost local wine industry

In a move to boost the local wine-making industry and reduce fruit wastage, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma inaugurated the Northeast Fruit Wine Incubation Centre in Shillong on Thursday. This initiative aims to transform locally grown fruits from the hill state into a recognized brand.

Speaking to Northeast Live, CM Sangma emphasized the need for a legal framework and support structure for local winemakers, whose products often went to waste due to a lack of market access.

Sangma stated, “Our objective is to legalize the local fruit wine-making industry and provide a simple registration and licensing process at nominal rates. We want to ensure quality control and maintain a list of producers to legitimize this industry.”

This move is expected to not only promote local wine production but also boost tourism by making local fruits and wines accessible to tourists.

During the inaugural function, CM Sangma highlighted the link between tourism and agriculture, asserting that the fruit-wine incubation centre would support entrepreneurs and create job opportunities.

“We were convinced that there has to be a proper system, a proper policy, a proper framework, a proper support structure, a proper ecosystem that is going to allow the local fruit winemakers to flourish in our state,” added CM Sangma.

The Meghalaya Farmers Empowerment Commission (MFEC) is actively involved in training local winemakers to adopt new technologies and improve the quality of fruit wine production. The goal is to position Meghalaya as the fruit-wine capital of the country.

MEFC Executive Adviser, BK Sohliya, said, “The Northeast incubation wine centre is the first in the Northeast, set up to teach winemaking with fruits other than grapes. We aim to train individuals in scientific winemaking, design labels, and packaging to help farmers establish sustainable markets.”

With the inauguration of the Northeast Fruit Wine Incubation Centre, Meghalaya takes a significant step towards promoting its local wine industry and supporting farmers, while also attracting tourists to savour the flavours of the region’s fruit wines.

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