State PCS - Bihar (BPSC)

• 10 May 2025

Neera Production in Bihar

Why in News? 

Under the 'Mukhyamantri Neera Samvardhan Yojana' launched on 30 April 2025, the Bihar government aims to provide employment and financial support to palm tree owners and toddy tappers who extract Neera, the unfermented palm sap drink. 

 Key Points 

• Implementation of the Scheme: 
  • The scheme runs from toddy season (April to July 2025) and is jointly implemented by Prohibition, Excise and Registration Department and Jeevika (Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society). 
  • The Bihar government will provide Rs 8 per litre of Neera to 20,000 toddy tappers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). 
  • The scheme targets production from 2 lakh palm trees identified across Bihar. 
• Support for Palm Tree Owners: 
  • Palm tree owners will receive an incentive of Rs 3 per litre of Neera from up to 10 trees. 
  • This translates to Rs 585 per tree and a maximum of Rs 5,850 for 10 trees. 
  • The incentive will be paid directly to their bank accounts via DBT by Jeevika. 
• Health Benefits of Neera: 
  • Neera is rich in minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, and phosphorus. 
  • It is a natural probiotic, helps boost immunity, and increases hemoglobin levels. 
  • These health benefits are a major reason for its promotion by the state government.