Neera To Be Launched Today in Kerala

6 November 2013
Thiruvananthapuram

The state government is set to launch the commercial production of Keramruthum, a coconut-based non-alcoholic health drink, at the state capital on Wednesday. The technology was developed by Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) after the state amended the Abkari act, giving permission to produce Neera product using the juice originating from tender coconut flowers.

“Though even toddy is extracted in a similar manner, in the case of Neera this juice is not allowed to be fermented and it is in fact very good for health,” B Jayaprakash Naik, associate director of research, coconut mission, KAU, said.

Three pilot plants are being set up at Peelikode in Kasaragod, Vellanikara in Thrissur, and Vellayani in Thiruvananthapuram. The state has also sanctioned Rs 5.4 crore to set up the plants, with a capacity of 1,000 litres per day.

“Neera contains 15 to 18% sugar and useful health constituents like vitamin C, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, sodium and iron. A farmer makes a profit of Rs 1,200 per month from one coconut tree that’s given for extraction of Neera. A tree can be tapped for a maximum six months in a year,” Naik said.

Source– http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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