Beware, Neera may give nasha, warns Forum for Good Governance

Hyderabad: The Forum for Good Governance has requested the Telangana government to first conduct a chemical analysis of Neera and Toddy before starting Neera sales outlets in the city. Earlier this month, the Government of Telangana accorded permission for sale of Neera by issuing licenses to Tapper Cooperative Societies and others.

Difference between toddy and neera is that toddy is hot toddy while neera is a sweet sap extracted from the inflorescence of various species of toddy palm and widely consumed in India and other Asian countries, sometimes fermented to produce toddy.

Neera, also called palm nectar, is a sap extracted from the inflorescence of various species of toddy palms and used as a drink. Neera extraction is generally performed before sunrise. It is sweet, translucent in colour. It is susceptible to natural fermentation at ambient temperature within a few hours of extraction. Once fermented, neera becomes toddy.

The Forum for Good Governance states that Neera as such contains no alcohol, but there is every chance to misuse the same and convert into toddy. M Padmanabha Reddy, Secretary, Forum for Good Governance, says, "Neera ferments and converts into alcohol with a slight rise in temperature should be included in the list of liquor." He further adds, "The government also plans to set up Neera outlets around Tank Bund. This could be detrimental to public health."

The Government of Kerala got toddy chemically examined and it was found that toddy contains 8.1% alcohol, whereas the alcohol strength of beer is 6%; as such, toddy may have to be included in the list of liquor in Telangana.

Padmanabha Reddy says, "The Prohibition and Excise department needs to get Neera and Toddy chemically examined as Neera is being propagated as a health drink and a juice with medicinal value. We request the Governor of Telangana to look into the matter."

In a case filed by the Toddy Shop Licences Association of Kerala against including Neera and Toddy as liquor The Supreme Court of India contended that Neera has every chance to convert into toddy and is also put under the definition of liquor.