THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The cabinet has given approval for the production of Indian made foreign liquor in the locked Malabar Distillery at Chittoor in Palakkad. For this, a five-line compounding blending and bottling unit will be set up at a cost of Rs 20 crore. Funds from the Beverages Corporation will be used.

With the commencement of production here, the shortage of cheap liquor will be alleviated to some extent. The name 'Malabar Brandy' is under consideration. The project report was prepared by the government agency Kitco. Construction of the plant is likely to start soon as it has been approved by the cabinet. The goal is to produce 15,000 cases of brandy per day. Malabar Distilleries (Chittoor Sugar Mill) was taken over by the government when sugar production was stopped due to shortage of sugarcane.

Liquor is currently manufactured in the public sector at Travancore Sugars and Chemicals in Thiruvalla Valannavattam. The 'Jawan' rum produced here is cheap and popular.