Action plan to promote palm-based products in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh Mines, Geology and Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra on Tuesday announced that the State government would prepare an action plan to promote palm-based products
Andhra Pradesh Mines, Geology and Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra on Tuesday announced that the State government would prepare an action plan to promote palm-based products, particularly Neera and palm jaggery, with the objective of improving the livelihoods of toddy-tappers and palm farmers. Speaking at the Neera Promotion and Palm Products Development programme, at the Pandirimamidi Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mr. Ravindra said the government would seek the Centre’s support for establishing a Palm Board.
He said efforts were underway to encourage palm cultivation, including in the mangrove areas, while promoting value-added products such as Neera and palm jaggery. Ravindra said the government aimed to build Neera into a recognised brand on the lines of Araku Coffee through awareness campaigns, highlighting its nutritional benefits. He noted that while traditional palm jaggery production continued at the Nidadavolu Horticulture Research Centre, the Pandirimamidi centre had adopted modern technology.
Polavaram District Collector K. Dinesh Kumar said the district administration was implementing a pilot project for Neera production and directed officials to survey palm trees across all mandals and promote value-added products among farmers. Rampachodavaram MLA Miriyala Sirisha Devi stressed the need to organise workshops for palm farmers, while Horticultural University Vice-Chancellor Dhanunjaya highlighted the economic potential of palm products.
The Minister later inspected exhibition stalls and processing units, directing officials to expand palm cultivation, strengthen value addition and create greater awareness about the health benefits of palm-based products.
The BriefWire