KOCHI: The Toddy Board is preparing to bring a revolutionary change in the toddy industry. Plans are underway to bottle toddy and introduce it to the market similar to beer. This method will allow toddy to retain its natural taste, prevent excessive fermentation, and maintain a consistent alcohol content for over a year when stored at normal atmospheric conditions.
Scopeful Bio Research functioning at the KINFRA Biotechnology Incubation Center in Kalamassery has developed bottled toddy. The product was examined by Toddy Board Chairman UP Joseph, CEO G Anilkumar, and others.
According to Dr Mohankumar, CEO of Bio Research, setting up a bottling unit capable of processing 2,000 litres of toddy daily using a biological method would cost Rs 30 lakh. The unit would employ 25 toddy workers and 6 staff members. The team also included Bio Research Director Dr Shalini Bhaskar, Toddy Board members Kishore Kumar, DP Madhu, MC Pavithran, A Pradeep, Dr Geethalakshmi, and Excise Joint Commissioner J Tajudeenkutty.
Several legal challenges
1. As per current regulations, toddy cannot be sold in sealed bottles. The Toddy Board has submitted a proposal to the government for necessary amendments.
2. The maximum allowed quantity of toddy an individual can possess is 1.5 litres. It can only be sold at licensed liquor shops.
Benefits