Despite the countless stories from the Indian agricultural sector, there are many that remain untold. Stories of individual triumph in a depressing and debilitating policy ecosystem.
During my recent trip to Goa, I met one such entrepreneur. Desmond Nazareth. He is a hero in select circles and unknown in the Indian agricultural world. He is credited with bringing agave cultivation to India and giving India its own version of tequila. The brand, Desmondji, is probably better known outside than within India. And, the only thing to be blamed is our numerous liquor policies.
He brought a profitable crop to dry and deprived regions of India that hardly grows anything else. But his journey is still not any easier. It has taken him six months to chase multiple departments in Andhra Pradesh to just increase the capacity of his distillery. He wants to install solar power on his premises but is not allowed to install more than what he can consume. This when he needs no government assistance whatsoever.
He has been meeting multiple state governments and pushing them to implement progressive policies for the most unique Indian produce – mahua. He has also developed a liquor which is now raved about in select global circles. But fighting with the Indian policy ecosystem has resulted in a bypass surgery.
India’s agricultural produce is now being diverted to produce ethanol and is being seen as a success story. But we have shied away from discussing food processing sectors that result in alcohol. Is this our cultural prudishness or something else?
Millets are being turned into beer. So is rice.
The Goa Brewing Company with whom I plan to meet are producing a rice beer and at the same time working on conserving heritage rice varieties.
Mohua is the only sweet flower in the world that is turned into liquor. We have spent the last two years discussing millets only and I believe there is opportunity in putting similar focus on other produce and policy.
We need to make such entrepreneurs and initiatives part of our debates around new crops, aggregating farmers and building brands and export opportunities. I believe it will bring in new thoughts and ideas into our tired agricultural events and conferences.
