How Palmyra and Date Palm trees in Bihar are boosting rural employment and providing an alternative to liquor?
Patna: The production and marketing of Neera (palm sap) from Palmyra and Date Palm trees are receiving continuous encouragement in Bihar. The beverage is being promoted under the 'Chief Minister Neera Promotion Scheme' (Mukhyamantri Neera Samvardhan Yojana), resulting in its growing popularity among the public.
During the current Neera season (May–August), over 32.6 lakh liters of Neera had been collected across the state by June 14, with sales totaling 32.5 lakh liters. To ensure the effective implementation of the scheme, Neera has been collected from 40,862 trees.
Tree owners are also earning a good income
A total of 9,865 tappers across urban and rural areas are actively engaged in tapping Neera, while 10,743 tree owners are also earning a good income through this initiative. This information was provided by Jeevika.
Neera is being processed into various high-quality products
Across the state, 1,691 temporary and permanent sales counters are operating to sell Neera. Additionally, through 571 active producer groups, Neera is being processed into various high-quality products. These include Neera-based jaggery, Peda, Tilkut, and other health-promoting sweets that are suitable for consumption by diabetic patients.
An alternative to alcohol
Under the Chief Minister Neera Promotion Scheme, the government is encouraging the extraction, scientific collection, and marketing of Neera from Palmyra and Date Palm trees. The objective is to boost rural employment, provide farmers with additional income, and promote a healthy, nutritious beverage as an alternative to alcohol.