'Neera' production to start from April in Bihar: Nitish

The production of 'Neera', a pre-fermentation version of palm tree juice, would start from April in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said here today.
This is being done as part of the state government's comprehensive action plan to increase income from palm tree, he said.
"The survey of palm tree has been completed. Measures are being taken to prepare 'Neera' and other products in the state. Even Gandhi ji was in favour of 'Neera'," Kumar said.
The state government would publicise 'Neera' and other products made from it like jaggery and candy, he said adding factories for Neera production would be set up at four places.

Addressing a function to celebrate the 640th birth anniversary of Saint Shiromani Guru Ravidas, he said "We will complete all arrangements before April."
People will earn more than what they are doing at present from palm tree, the chief minister said.

On those engaged in the business of post-fermentation version of palm tree juice 'toddy', Kumar said, "We will not close down anyone's business. Rather we will increase their income by changing the nature of business."
Announcing complete ban on sale and manufacture of alcohol in the state on April 5, 2016 Kumar had made it clear that sale of 'toddy' would be permitted in accordance with a 1991 guideline but plans would be made for commercially harnessing 'Neera' which does not contain alcohol.

Following the prohibition, the chief minister had ordered for preparation of a comprehensive action plan on industries related to the pre-fermentation version of palm tree juice after Agriculture scientists from Tamil Nadu showed him about the products that can be made from it.
The Tamil Nadu Agriculture University team had shown how to prepare food items like jaggery, candy, honey and other products that could be made from 'Neera' and 'toddy'.