Dr Jaideep Kale, Technical Coordinator, Wine Park, Maharashtra tells IndianWine.com about how he found his place in the Indian wine industry...
Q. Please tell us about your background, especially how you came to join the Indian Wine industry?
A. I completed my Bachelors degree in Horticulture Science from College of Horticulture, Pune, Maharashtra. I followed it up with a Masters degree in Agriculture Plant Pathology from University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, in the state of Karnataka. I pursued my Doctorate in viticulture from Agriculture University, Gujarat.
After these years spent in academic pursuits, I took up jobs with multinational companies like Synjenta, State Grapes Association and Seed company.
Since I had pursued the study of grapes for my PhD, grapes were my latest interest. It was opportune that at the same time, the Central Government of India was taking a serious interest in establishing Food Processing Industries in India, particularly Maharashtra.
At that point of time in India, particularly in the grape growing and winemaking industry, we were all new. Maharashtra was just exploring its grape growing and winemaking potential. The time was just right for me to join the Indian Wine industry and pitch in with my academic expertise. Those were the beginnings, and we have come far, but still there is way to go!
Q. What are your personal favourites in wine?
A. In white wine I like Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and in red Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel.
Q. Please update us with the latest news from Wine Park, Maharashtra...
A. I am working with Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation as Technical Coordinator for Agricultural Export Zone for Grapes and Grape Wine. Over the past seven years, my work at Maharashtra Wine Park and consequent close interaction with the grass-root farmers, has been a very interesting one. For an update: Today as in the year 2008, 8000 acres of land is under cultivation for wine grapes and 57 wineries have been established in the state of Maharashtra under our guidance.
Q. What is the role of MIDC's Wine Park and how are farmers and entrepreneurs benefitted by it?
A. We have been giving guidance to farmers and entrepreneurs about cultivation of wine grapes, production of quality wines, marketing of wine and also effort for export of Indian Wines for the last five years. I have visited Italy and Germany for research in the wine sector there. I learn from domestic and international exhibitions on wine also, and share useful information with the wine industry participants back home in Maharashtra.
Q. What would you consider your special contribution to the Indian wine industry?
A. Though I have been actively involved in the growth of all aspects of the wine industry in Maharashtra, it is my book in Marathi about grape growing and the Indian wine industry, aimed to benefit local farmers, entrepreneurs and all grass-root people involved in the industry, that gives me a special sense of satisfaction. This book in the local language is the first of its kind. Recently, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation has recognised my contribution to the Indian wine industry with an award.
Q. You have seen the local wine industry grow from strength to strength, and would be in a position to comment on gaps and opportunities for further growth. What improvements do you suggest for the Indian wine industry?
A. It is a pleasure to be part of the revolutionary change that has come about in the Indian wine industry. Well, it all started with Maharashtra! It has been a remarkable experience, watching the Indian wine industry grow and at such a speed, yet there is more that needs to be done. Suitable growing conditions for the Indian wine industry will enhance all aspects of the grape and grape-wine industry here. I look forward to the following developments in the Indian wine industry:
1) Increase in cultivation of wine grapes
2) Increase in wine units
3) New ideas for marketing of wine
4) Increase in export
5) Joint ventures with foreign developed wine industry for nursery, varieties, technical know-how, marketing, etc.
6) Research
Presently, the government of Maharashtra through Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation has got into a joint venture with the government of Italy in grape wine sector. This project is under my guidance and still underway. It would translate as growth for Maharashtra's grape wine industry.
Q. How do you feel when you look back at your decision to join the Indian wine industry?
A. It feels good. I took up the challenge which suited my interest in grapes as well. It was passion and patience that I invested in my work, and still do. It has been seven years. And it has been a very satisfactory investment, seeing the Indian Wine industry grow from scratch. We are now going places, domestically and internationally, and not to forget the benefits to farmers here. It is good to belong here :-)
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