|  Speaking
at the 47th convention of grape-growers in Pune on August
18, Mr Pawar said the revenue from export of fruits
and horticulture products constituted only around Rs
210 million ( $ 5million), while soybean grown on far
lesser tracts of land gave Rs 3,000 crore ($75 million)
from exports alone.
He emphasised that presently, the cooperative concept
may not work for the grape industry as it would be difficult
to maintain and monitor standards in terms of quality
and taste.
All India Grape Growers' Association president Sopan
Kanchan said the industry is facing tremendous challenges
from the retail markets as they are free to import anything,
including foreign wines.
He overlooked to mention that the imported wines
are subjected to 150% import duty and an additional
150% excise duty in Maharashtra where the conference
was being held. Wines produced in Maharashtra are exempt
from paying excise duty at least till 2011.
Various types are being brought into the market, therefore,
a need for related products apart from wine, like juices,
and different flavours in grapes are being researched.
Kanchan sought more concessions in interest rates on
loans for the grape industry.
Source: UNI through Keralanews.com
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