New Neera policy in the offing

 Minister for Horticulture Shamanur Shivashankarappa has said that the State government was examining the possibility of introducing a new Neera policy, by amending the Karnataka Excise Act.

In a written reply to C N Balakrishna of the JD(S) in the Legislative Assembly, he said Neera comes under the Excise Act. It has to be taken out of the purview of the Act, by bringing in an amendment. The government was consulting with experts in this regard, he said.

As part of an effort to promote Neera as a health drink, the department has set up a Neera manufacturing unit at Tumbe horticultural farm in Dakshina Kannada district. Steps are being taken to sell Neera in sachets. The government has decided to hand over the operation and maintenance of the unit to the Palakkad coconut producers’ company, the minister said.