THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Liquor from tapioca has once again gained a place in the second Pinarayi government’s first full budget. The finance minister had mentioned about alcohol from tapioca in the interim budget presented last year. However, with the budget allocation of Rs 2 crore, it is hinted that the government will move ahead with the project. Farmers are looking forward to the project. The government aims to produce low-alcohol from tapioca. A CIAL model company will be set up for value-added production in agriculture, said the finance minister.

Is liquor from tapioca practical?

If toddy was once made from coconut trees in the yard, from now onwards liquor can be made from tapioca. It has been found that around 250 millilitres of spirit can be produced from one kilogram of tapioca, at a cost of Rs 48. The Central Tuber Crops Research Institute in Sreekaryam holds the patent for the technology to produce spirit from tapioca.

How to produce spirit?

• Tapioca is dried, powdered and converted to starch
• It is then boiled at 100 degree celsius and is made into paste
• The paste is converted to glucose through a chemical process
• Yeast is added and is fermented 30 degree celsius
• When fermented glucose is distilled, spirit is obtained

Production cost

Spirit from 1kg tapioca can be made at a cost of Rs 48

1 ton of starch from 3 tons of tapioca

680 litres of spirit from 1 ton starch

680 litre spirit cost Rs 32,640

Cost for a plant (for processing 100 kg)

Rs 80 lakh (inclusive of building)

Employment for 80-115 people

Kerala Agriculture

Farmers: 18.22 lakh

Farm land: 6.97 lakh hectare

One hectre: 8,000 crops

Yield: 3,545 ton