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NRC claims that of twenty seven samples collected from
across the state, four plants were detected having the
virus. It has recommended that all imported varieties
should carry certificates from recognised authorities
from the exporting countries and imported plants be
again tested and grown in protected conditions at least
for two years.
Samant feels that this is not a practical step. Besides,
‘In other countries the governments have taken
upon themselves to provide with the mother nursery which
assures non virus plants. California has UC Davies as
its source nursery whereas Bordeaux and Montpellier
boast of similar ones in France. We are ages behind
and need to push up the process of ensuring virus free
plants with the government involvement,’ he added.
For the moment, The Director of NRC, Dr. P G Adsule
agrees with Samant when he says “It is a sensitive
matter as any misinformation or panic in farmers will
affect the prospect of the growing wine industry in
Maharashtra.”
However, the NRC points out that ignoring the viruses
will be more harmful in the long run. “Not only
will the vineyards be affected but also the quality
of wine will deteriorate, which will result in a collapse
of the industry. The grape varieties required for wines
cannot be developed in India and with demand growing,
thousands of plants are imported mainly from France,
Italy and Australia,” notes Dr S D Sawant, plant
pathologist, NRC. Rajeev is in agreement with this point.
Is the doomsday ahead for the vineyards? ‘Í
don’t think so,’ says Abhay Kewadkar, ex-
Wine Maker at Grover, who started his career with Chateau
Indage during its early years and is now a Director
and the Vice President of UB’s wine unit.’
I know the problem exists and potentially a virus can
be dangerous and can kill vineyards. From what I have
seen the extent is not out of control.’
But Abhay is concerned about the quality of wines if
it spreads more than the present sporadic presence.
‘The virus stricken vines do not have enough strength
and the colour, structure and flavour of the fruit is
affected. As a winemaker, I would find it a problem
for the wine quality.’ With guarded optimism he
adds that the vines contracted by UB in Baramati have
not indicated this problem thus far.
One of the wine producers, Avtar Singh Sandhu who owns
Mushal Winery in Sonoma and exports his wines to India
is aware of the situation. He has a word of advice courtesy
Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, ‘Clean materials
are critical. Now leaf roll is being spread in California
by grape mealybug and likely other mealybugs. Thus viruses
are not just an issue of budwood. If the virus is spreading
in India after planting, they may be getting insect
transfer as well.’ So Sandhu advises that the
winegrowers should look out for insects as well, when
looking at the virus spread.
Karan Jain, owner of Globus Wines in Sangli, in Maharashtra
but closer to Bangalore, confirmed to delWine that as
of now no such problem has been reported in his winery
or any of the 8 wineries there. ‘In fact, we have
state of the art equipment with us that can test for
the virus and we do such tests for others as well. I
can say for sure that we are not hit by it so far,’
he says with confidence. ‘It is likely that excepting
the bigger companies, others in Nashik are not following
viticulture practices. The situation has rung the alarm
bell like a minor heart attack and it would do the industry
good if we all realise that wine is not simply about
making the juice and fermenting it. We need to follow
good viticulture practices as well,’ he said.
Kapil Grover of Grover Vineyards in Bangalore confirms
there is no such problem there. But 94% of the vineyards
being in Maharashtra the concerns are about what happens
here. The producers are already feeling the impact of
the weird and absurd excise policy announced by the
Maharashtra State Government which instead of helping
the producers against cheap imports is actually harming
them with lower excise on cheaper imported wines and
the wine availability and consumption in general has
been adversely hit over the last four months.
Meanwhile, Rajeev Samant and a group of growers from
Nashik plan to strongly protest the printing of the
newspaper report without adequate facts.
There can be no denying that the virus problem exists
though there may not be a reason to panic- there is
no smoke without a fire. Maharashtra has got a wake
up call. It is for the producers to take cognisance
and then the necessary steps. Otherwise, no amount of
protectionism through taxation on imported wines will
help save the industry.
For the news reported by the Indian Express, visit
http://www.indianexpress.com/story/236138.html
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