By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Association of Wine Makers has reiterated its demand to legalize fruit wine-making in Meghalaya affirming Government control over its standardization and overall quality.
In a statement submitted to the Minister of Excise here on Friday, Meghalaya Association of Wine Makers president Michael Syiem pointed out that Mizoram despite being a dry state has legalized fruit wine-making after realizing the benefits enjoyed by fruit growers.
As per the submission, Meghalaya can become a fast growing cottage industry which will benefit fruit growers, provide employment and generate revenue by way of increasing tourist trade.
It may be mentioned that in the last decade, the Association is organizing Shillong Wine Festival to give a platform to home wine makers to exhibit their wine products.
The Association believes that legalizing fruit wine-making in the State, would give a boost to horticulture and in turn help in the economic development of the people.