The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has rolled out a unique project to produce Neera and Palm jaggery which has huge potential to create employment. The project that aims at promoting Neera as a substitute to soft drinks while also creating self-employment to Adivasis and traditional trappers was launched at Dahanu in Palghar district of Maharashtra.

Our correspondent reports that KVIC distributed tool kits for extraction of Neera and making palm jaggery to 200 local artisans in Palghar who were  given seven days training by KVIC. A tool kit worth 15,000 rupees comprises food grade stainless steel Kadhai, perforated moulds, canteen burners and other equipment like knives, rope and axes for extraction of Neera.

There are over 50 lakh palm trees across the state. A wide range of products like candies, milk chocolates, palm cola, ice-cream and traditional sweets can be produced from Neera. This initiative is expected to provide direct employment to 400 local traditional trappers.