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Petersons, the prominent Australian wine
maker has evinced interest in developing vineyards in
the state, says KR Vishwambaran, vice chancellor of
Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) according to a
report by Finacnial Express. The team from Australia
is convinced about the possibility of developing vineyards
in the state and optimistic about the soil and climatic
conditions, he said.
The team has identified certain places
in Idukki and Wayanad districts as suitable for grape
cultivation. The wine manufacturers in Australia are
scouting suitable locations around the world to source
grapes after their production in Hunter Valley, Australia
was hit by drought, Vishwambaran told FE. The company
has the potential, plans to invest, and has the expertise
to brand and sell wines, he added.
A three-member team led by Collin Peterson,
managing director of Petersons held discussion with
the university officials and have agreed to present
a report within three weeks, he said. The team included
wine consultant Roger Hoare and another marketing consultant
Robert Graham Trewen. The first step in the investment
proposal would be to develop a model farm under the
aegis of KAU to sudy the potential and problems, Vishwambaran
said. The team has also promised to assist KAU in developing
a course on grape farming and wine manufacturing.
Keralites are adventurous to try new crops
and have a history of adapting to any type of cultivation,
he said. The natives have also learned to be wary of
high hopes after they burned their fingers with cocoa
and vanilla, he said.
He added that the state has to do an in-depth
study before venturing into large-scale cultivation
of grapes. Sourcing land would be a big problem in the
small state, which already has its hands full with cash
crops like pepper, tea, coffee, and rubber.
Full report at www.financialexpress.com
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