Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SD)

Panaji, Apr 11: The ongoing lockdown has forced closure of liquor shops leading to an increasing demand for traditional hurrack as a substitute for beer or brandy.

Hurrack manufacturing distilleries have received increasing demand for the brew with their presence in every nook and corner of Goa villages and have also been asked home delivery.

"There is a huge demand for hurrack these days. People have been trying to purchase hurrack by any means possible," founder president of Cashew Distillers and Bottles'Association Mac Vaz said.

Following the lockdown imposition to contain COVID-19, hundreds of wine shops were closed in the coastal state.

Hurrack is not sold commercially but bottled up in backyard distilleries all across the villages in Goa. It is made from cashew apple juice.

Despite the rise in demand, distillers have not increased the price and hurrack is sold at Rs 100 per litre an important point to be noted, Vaz said.

Hurrack is purchased for home consumption as it does not have a longer shelf life, Vikas Prabhu a cashew grower said.

"People wait for hurrack season, but the demand for the traditional drink has gone up as wine shops are closed," he added indicating hurrack as a strong substitute for any quality drink and affordability.

The rise in demand for hurrack would be beneficial for cashew growers, Prabhu said.

Meanwhile, wine shops would remain closed until asked by the government, All Goa Liquor Traders' Association President Dattaprasad Naik said.

"We support the government in its fight against coronavirus. Wine shops are also one of the most vulnerable places where deadly virus can spread, as people from different sections of the society turn up here," Naik said.