Patna: The Bihar government has launched an ambitious scheme to promote the production and sale of Neera — a nutritious, non-alcoholic palm sap — with the goal of tapping 2 lakh palm trees and generating 3.9 crore litres during the current toddy season.
Under the Mukhyamantri Neera Samvardhan Yojana, the initiative aims to support both palm tree owners and Neera tappers through direct cash incentives, employment generation, and health promotion. Running from April to July, the programme is being jointly implemented by the Department of Prohibition, Excise and Registration and Bihar’s rural livelihood programme, Jeevika.
Approximately 20,000 tappers have been identified for participation in the scheme. Each tapper can receive up to Rs 15,600 for producing Neera from 10 palm trees, while tree owners are eligible for Rs 5,850 for the same number of trees. Incentives are disbursed directly through bank transfers, with proportional amounts provided for those handling fewer than 10 trees.
“The idea is to ensure financial inclusion and rural empowerment,” said a senior official associated with the scheme. Verified tappers receive licenses through Jeevika and the state’s excise department. An additional Rs 30 per tree will also be paid for tree marking.
Neera sales centres have been established across the state, with Nalanda district emerging as a major hub. The government is also highlighting Neera’s health benefits, noting its richness in calcium, potassium, iron and natural probiotics.
By focusing on local employment, health benefits, and economic incentives, the scheme is part of Bihar’s wider strategy to formalise and modernise traditional livelihoods.
