New Delhi, Jan 2 : The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for establishment of the Indian Grape Processing Board (IGPB) at Pune.

The total funds allocated by the Government over a period of three years for the establishment of the IGPB are Rs. 5.93 crore.

The Ministry under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, will register the IGPB as a society. The board will be autonomous from its very inception. The board, initially facilitated by the Government and managed and driven by the industry, is expected to boost growth of the sector, benefiting both the producers and the processors.

The headquarters of the board will be at Punewhich is close to the principal grape growing or processing areas in the country.

The board will foster the sustainable development of the Indian Wine Industry and will focus on research and development, extension, quality up-gradation market research and information, domestic and international promotion of Indian wine.

The expected outcomes of the board will be to increase awareness and capacity building among farmers, processors and other stakeholders resulting in increased productivity, reduced wastage and improved quality of grapes and wine conforming to global standards. (ANI)