Bhubaneswar: Liquor will now be produced from Millet. Companies interested in producing liquor from Millet will be provided subsidies by the government. The state is also discussing the establishment of quality liquor production units in Odisha. Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan stated that incentives will be given for producing liquor from Mahua and Mandia.
A high-level meeting on the new excise policy was held on Friday under the chairmanship of Minister Harichandan at the State Guest House conference hall. The minister stated that the government is taking steps to adopt a clean excise policy. Discussions were also held with stakeholders regarding the formulation of the state’s excise policy for 2025-26.
Key Points from the Meeting on the New Excise Policy:
1. Incentives will be provided for liquor production from Mahua and Millet.
2. Discussions on setting up quality liquor production units in Odisha.
Efforts are being made to ensure that the people of the state benefit from this policy. Before finalizing any policy, the opinions of the public and stakeholders are gathered to ensure effective implementation, the minister added. The meeting began with the Excise Secretary presenting details about the new excise policy, which aims to encourage new investments, ease of doing business, transparency in the system, production of millet-based beverages, and promoting Utkarsha Odisha initiatives.
The meeting included representatives from liquor manufacturing companies, officials from hotel and restaurant associations, licensed liquor traders, as well as officials from Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes, industries, finance, forest, and panchayati raj departments. Their feedback and suggestions were taken into account.
Additionally, discussions were held on commercial promotion of liquor production from Millet, Jau (barley), and Balaravi, preventing liquor adulteration, and increasing awareness. Special emphasis was given to the collection of Mahua flowers to support the interests of tribal communities. Financial assistance will be provided to those involved in the collection process. Officials from various concerned departments shared their opinions.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Managing Director of the State Beverage Corporation, Ambar Kumar Kar, and other senior departmental officers.