Shillongh, Oct 2: Minister in-charge Excise Kyrmen Shylla on Tuesday said the government is looking to increase wine production to ultimately make the state one of the largest fruit wine producers in the region.
Shylla said farmers previously threw away fruits they could not sell but they now have an alternative way to make huge profit.
He added that he is pleased to see farmers grabbing the opportunity and utilizing fruits which would have otherwise been trashed.
The minister also said the department is extending support to the fruit wine makers by providing training on wine making.
Shylla was however unable to answer whether the government would consider legalizing local made liquor but emphasised the need to conduct a study on the subject before the government takes such a decision.
“After conducting a study, maybe we can go ahead. By doing that, we will have the power to regulate liquor or spirit content so that it will not affect the health of the people,” he said.
