Meghalaya govt to legalize wine making in the state

Shillong: The Meghalaya government on Thursday decided to legalize wine making in the State by approving the proposal to formulate rules on the introduction of the manufacture and sale of homemade fruit wines.

For the last 18 years, Meghalaya Association of Wine Makers (MMAW) had been spearheading the demand to legalize wine making in the State.

Finally, Meghalaya government has realized the potentialities of wine making as it can promote horticulture, tourism and generate revenue for the State.

Following a meeting, Chief Minister Sangma informed that the government will formally formulate rules under which individuals can now make homemade wines and sell in the market.

Introducing wine making in the state, he said it will also help the farmers who are producing a lot of fruits in the state.

While speaking to sources, he also informed that the ad valorem fees will be only Rs. 100 per case and no VAT will be levied on these producers adding that the license fees for these producers will be Rs 7500 per annum.

Meghalaya CM Sangma also added that this will benefit individuals and different cooperative societies or companies who can start manufacturing and sale of homemade fruit wines.

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