TN to produce large scale 'Neera' as substitute for its tipplers

In a bid to provide a substitute for its tipplers, the Tamil Nadu government has come up with a new idea to manufacture and sell vitamins-rich health drink “Neera”, a non-alcoholic drink extracted from toddy palms and coconut trees.

The government's ambitious plan to promote “Neera” assumes significance as it was taken in the backdrop of the closure of more than 3,500 liquor shops along the highways following a recent Supreme Court order.

Neera, which is called “Pathaneer” in Tamil, is a sweet beverage usually extracted from palm trees. But if it is not preserved properly, fermentation will kick in due to airborne yeast and turn it in to alcoholic toddy.

The AIADMK government, which promised the people that it would close all liquor shops in the state step by step, has given the permission for large scale sales of “Neera”, which is rich in Vitamins A, B and C.

At present, Neera is being produced only in Coimbatore and the product is being sold in few State Co-operative stores.

State Coordinator for Tamil Nadu Toddy Movement, Nallasamy said “Government's initiative will not only help about 50,000 farmers, but also ensures direct and indirect employment for about two lakh people once the product reaches the market”. “Neera” drink will also boost the ongoing protests against aerated drinks”, he added.

According to him, the State has eight crore trees spread across 10.74 lakh acres. A farmer earns just Rs 1,000 a year by selling coconuts. But with Neera, he could earn up to Rs 15,000. Neera biscuits will also be available, he added.

Pointing out that over 3,500 liquor shops were shut along state and national highways, Nallasamy said “we do not want them to reopen it elsewhere”.

Sources from the State-owned Tamil Nadu Agriculture University (TNAU), which helps farmers in producing "Neera", said the drink will also help shift traditional toddy extractors towards an healthier alternative, which has good diet value such as palm sugar and candy.