Excise & Prohibition Minister T Padma Rao Goud today informed the House that the State government was focusing on setting up of Neera Industry in the State to encourage toddy tappers’ community get better revenue.
Neera is extracted from toddy (Eetha and Thati) trees and is original with sweetness as it does not contain chloroform and said to be good for health since ages. During question hour, Goud said Neera extracted from the toddy trees is a healthy drink in its original form being used by the people since old ages and for decades and it is not spurious.
He replied to queries by the members on Neera (pure toddy got from trees) production and making it an industry to encourage toddy tappers get better income in the wake of Telangana Government reviving the toddy shops and its sale across the State. Padma Rao said they will focus on Neera production and sale after the budget session. An official team will make a visit to Sri Lanka and Cambodia to study the production of Neera and its consumption.
“We have already conducted a feasibility study in Maharashtra by sending an official team on toddy tapping and marketing, the minister said. He also said the State government will soon take a decision to punish stringently if anyone cuts the toddy trees in the State, the minister added. (NSS)