THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has come up with a move to attract entrepreneurs for the project of producing mild alcohol and wine from fruits and agricultural products other than grains. A discussion about this was held in the meeting of excise officials held last day. Entrepreneurs did not approach even after a year after the project was announced, so it was not yet implemented.

The scheme aims to generate additional income and more employment opportunities for the farmers. It was included in the last liquor policy and the rule was formulated. Kerala Small Scale Winery Rules 2022 was also approved. As a pilot project, two crore rupees were allocated in the 2022-23 budget for the project to produce ethanol and other value-added products from tapioca at the Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, but the work could not be started.

An application has to be made to the Excise Commissioner to start a winery. A Technical Committee chaired by the Deputy Excise Commissioner will carry out the scrutiny. A committee consisting of Assistant Director of Agriculture Department, Food Safety Assistant Commissioner, Public Works Assistant Executive Engineer/Factories and Boilers Inspector should give recommendations on the application. Beverages Corporation will have the right to procure and sell these from entrepreneurs.

Light alcohol from these

Horti wine can be produced from fruits such as jackfruit, mango, cashew, banana, pineapple, papaya, pomegranate, guava and rose apple. Agricultural products like tapioca, nutmeg and sugarcane can also be used for brewing alcohol.

Alcohol content: 15%
License Fee: Rs.50,000
Bottling License Fee: Rs.5000