Udupi, Karnataka: Farmer leaders from Kundapura taluk in Udupi, who were batting for the promotion of Neera, have got a shot in the arm with the excise department sanctioning a temporary license to set up a Neera unit at Japthi here.
Farmers from Coastal Karnataka see new Ray Of Hope in local drink Following this, the farmer societies have launched a Kalparasa (Neera) processing unit in Japthi. They also train aspiring young farmers in climbing coconut trees and the entire process involved in tapping Kalparasa. Also called palm nectar, Kalparasa is a sap extracted from the inflorescence of various species of toddy palms and consumed as a drink. It is sweet and translucent in colour. Members of these societies opine this could be a game-changer for the young farmers from the coastal belt of Karnataka at a time when youths are turning their back to agriculture as they do not see a good return on investment.“With the setting up of the processing plant, young farmers can now look at a lucrative business proposition. Kalparasa tapping can help them double their income. They can work in two shifts – a couple of hours in the morning and sometime in the evening. During the day, they can pursue their regular job,” said Muraleedhar, a functionary of the Udupi Kalparasa Coconut and All Spices Producer Company Limited. “With this, Prime Minister Modi’s vision of employment generation in one’s hometown will also be realised,” he added.Youngsters specialised in tapping Kalparasa can earn Rs 25 per litre. They will also have the provisions of PF and ESI, he said. “Those involved in this business can earn anything between Rs 1-2 lakh,” he added.Clearing the air surrounding the alcoholic content in Neera, another farmer leader Satyanarayana said the drink is completely non-alcoholic. Highlighting its health benefits, he said Neera is rich in vitamins, calcium, iron and is beneficial even for pregnant women.Throwing light on the technology, Satyanarayana said the liquid will be extracted from the inflorescence of coconut trees and collected in ice boxes. “A complete cold chain process will be followed. In the coming days, we have plans of launching the drink in tetra packs,” he said.
