Kerala Government Gave Approval for Tapping Unfermented Sap or Neera from Coconut

The Government of Kerala gave its nod for tapping unfermented sap or neera from the coconut all over the state. Neera, which is also called sweet toddy, is the non-alcoholic drink which is extracted from immature inflorescence of coconut. The decision was taken by the Kerala Government at the meeting in Thiruvananthapuram. This decision would prove to be very beneficial for depressing coconut sector.

Neera tapping will take place in units of 1500 coconut trees in each and every district all over Kerala, in the beginning as a part of the pilot project. Over one unit will have access of tapping neera in three districts- Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram, where toddy tapping is not taking place.

For the purpose of production of neera, Abkari Laws will also be amended. It was decided that only the companies as well as federations that are affiliated to Coconut Development Board, will be allowed to produce neera.

For the purpose of tapping the coconut tree for neera, toddy tappers would receive preference. Apart from this, neera technicians will also be given membership in Toddy Tappers Welfare Fund Board. Since a long time, the Coconut Development Board was demanding for starting the neera production in order to revive the coconut sector.

The technological advances that are used in the process as well as packaging of neera make sure that it is absolutely free from the alcoholic content.