Kerala's Liquor Industry: A Path to Economic Prosperity

 

Kerala's Liquor Industry: A Path to Economic Prosperity

Last year, the people of Kerala consumed a staggering ₹19,700 crore worth of liquor, with a significant portion of this revenue going to the government and liquor manufacturers. This has led to the observation that Malayalis are, in a sense, generously donating a large part of their earnings back to the industry and the state.

Kerala possesses vast untapped resources that could be leveraged to produce high-quality liquor. For instance, fruits worth an estimated ₹100 crore are wasted annually. Similarly, the byproducts of various medicinal plants used in Ayurvedic medicine could be repurposed for spirit production. Other potential raw materials include perishable rice and wheat, coconut toddy, and spirit derived from tapioca.

To capitalize on this potential, the state-owned Bevco, which already enjoys massive profits, could establish a research laboratory. This could be done through a private partnership or with the assistance of the CSIR. The lab could focus on developing and patenting new, high-quality liquor products. Once patented, these products could be manufactured on a large scale through a private partnership, with a clear focus on both domestic and international markets.

By producing and exporting their own high-quality liquor, Kerala could not only satisfy local demand but also generate significant revenue from other states and abroad. This would redirect the substantial amount of money currently flowing to liquor producers outside the state back into Kerala's economy. The crucial question is whether the current Left government can effectively utilize the liquor industry to improve the state's overall economic condition.