Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Mar 24: The Neera unit that is meant to process the liquid extract from the coconut and convert into a tasty and healthy drink, which is located at Thumbe, has not yet reopened. The department of horticulture, which planned to hand over the unit to a private organization working for the welfare of farmers, failed to get response even after calling for tender twice.

The first ever Neera unit in the state had started to function during 2011-12 at the horticultural station at Thumbe with the support of the department of horticulture, coconut development board and Palakkad coconut producing companies. With the in-principle agreement of the tappers association, sale also had begun. In the year 2014, Neera cold drink was sent to HOPCOMS outlets in Mangaluru in packets. The unit had collection and processing capacity of 2,000 litres per day. But unable to sustain, this unit was closed down in 2016.

Neera unit at thumbe (file photo)

Initially, the unit got good support but in course of time for lack of workers it suffered. It was said that extraction of liquid from the trees results in an increase of harvest. The experts also had felt that because of daily climbing of the tree, the shoots of the tree get widened and the yield will improve. At the same time, it was also felt that the coconut trees will be rid of the insects.

Repeated efforts made to reopen the unit have not borne fruits. There was also a plan to produce jaggery, sugar and the value-added products in addition to Neera at the unit, and to hand over the management to HOPCOMS, a sister concern of the horticultural department. HOPCOMS, at the request of the then zilla panchayat chief executive officer, had responded by saying that they would like to conduct feasibility study before taking a decision. The chances of the Neera unit getting reopened appears doubtful at this stage as there has progress thereafter.

Machinery worth lacs of rupees had been installed at the Neera unit and it is said that these machines have become outdated now. As latest machineries are more efficient older machines might prove to be not cost effective, it is said. Therefore, even if someone comes forward to manage the unit, they may not wish to use the old machinery, it is said.

Pradeep D'Souza, senior assistant director of horticulture, Bantwal, says that there was no response for two tenders floated by the department to give the unit to private pro-farmer organizations. He also said that the idea to hand it over to private persons has not seen any progress.