Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundpaur, Mar 5: Even as coconut rates remain volatile and fail to hold promising returns for the farmers, search has been on since years to find alternative value-added products that can turn into new sources of income for them. Among them, Kalparasa has given rise to promises. Udupi Kalparasa Coconut and All Spices Producer Company Limited has been set up for marketing this product under the guidance of Bharathiya Kissan Sangha and Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) Kasargod.

Kalparasa has been proven to be a health drink with three times the nutrients as compared to tender coconut. It is not intoxicating. It has zero percent alcohol and it is collected and scientifically processed in controlled atmosphere to see that it does not ferment. The second unit in the state for distribution of this drink will come up at Japti near Kundapur in Udupi district during April first week. The excise department has issued licence for the same, and it will become functional once final licence is received. This unit is already operating successfully at Bengaluru and Bhadravathi. It is hoped that this unit will prove to be beneficial for the coconut growers from this region.

If eight coconut trees are given for tapping of Kaparasa, the farmers can earn a minimum of one lac rupees per year. If the grower himself undertakes the responsibility of tapping and bringing Kalparasa down from the trees every day, they can earn over two lac rupees per year from eight to ten healthy trees, says Satyanarayana Udupa.

Even though Kalparasa is collected just like the traditional toddy tapping; it is scientifically collected in boxes where temperature is controlled, before being supplied to societies.

The utensils for collection of Kalparasa are designed and supplied by CPCRI. This health drink is served in 200 ML bottles.