|
Nashik 7 FEB Confederation
of Indian Industries (CII)
3rd Agri-Advantage 2006, conference and exposition a premiere CII event with
support of Government of Maharashtra concluded today in Nashik the wine
capital of India.
The valedictory session was attended by Mr.J S Shaharia, IAS secretary dept
of agriculture and horticulture
Government
of Maharashtra Dr. Sanjay Chahande
Divisional Revenue Commissioner, Nashik Mr.Rajeev Samant VC CII Nashik zone
and MD Sula wines and Mr. R Venkatchalam, Convenor CII agriculture panel
Nashik.
In his welcome address Mr. Rajeev Samant MD Sula wines praised the state
excise dept and horticulture dept
Government
of Maharashtra for the initiatives
taken by them in making the wine industry to reach such a situation where it
is growing at a rate of 30%per annum. Mr Samant also said that today
Maharashtra has taken big stride in production and export of wines which
visible from the fact that the state posted 25% increase in exports of Grape
wine earning foreign currency amounting to 3.9 crores.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. J S Saharia secretary dept of Agriculture and
Horticulture
Government
of Maharashtra in his special address
discussed critical issues like changing the role of
Government
to a facilitator. He also said that
the growers association needs to become strong and farmers need to come
together to take advantage of innovative steps taken by central
Government
giving example of national
horticulture mission a new mission started by the
Government
of Maharashtra. On the issue of wine
being categorized under food processing Industry Mr. Saharia agreed
that its a critical issue and they are trying to come on a conclusion on
that.
Dr. Sanjay Chahande divisional commissioner Nashik said that the
Government
with the help of private sector is
trying and exploring the possibility of having a wine institute in Nashik
with the best of facilities. He also emphasized the fact that wine
consumption in India is still one ml per capita as compared to France which
is 45 liters per capita this shows we still have a long way to go.
Mr. K S Money Chairman APEDA through his presentation told about the role of
APEDA in wine sector also said that it is important to develop Brand India
for exports aggressive marketing campaigns to exploit opportunities present
in huge domestic market and also India's proximity to markets in East and
West Asia Europe.
Earlier in the day the conference was address by mr D G Halve regional
Manger Agriculture Insurance Company of India Mr. R Yadav CEO Rural
Development Trust Oriental bank of Commerce and Mr R M Naikade Deputy CEO
MIDC and they all shared their views on the growing wine industry and also
its increasing role in the economy. The speakers also suggested steps which
should be taken to continue the growth rate which is around 30% currently.
There was a different angle also to the conference with Mr Satish Lele Bio
Diesel Consultant on Jatopha plantation speaking on Economics of Jatropha
cultivation a coming up energy source in the country.
This was the third event in the series organized by CII and was attended by
more then 350 delegates on both the days. The exposition which was also
running simultaneously was visited by more then 2000 key visitors from all
over country.
Our Reporter
|
