Bhubaneswar: In a move to promote millet cultivation and reduce the illicit liquor trade, the Odisha government has decided to encourage the production of liquor from millets. It was decided during a review meeting of the Excise Department, presided over by Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan.
The government plans to provide subsidies to brewers producing millet-based liquor and will consult with the Industries Department to facilitate the process. Additionally, the state government aims to develop a plan for producing high-quality, flavoured liquor from mahua, a local flower, and foreign liquor.
The Excise Department stated that the government will introduce measures in the Excise Policy 2025-26 to curb the illicit liquor trade in the state. Furthermore, the Odisha government plans to export high-quality liquor to other states and foreign countries in the future, according to Excise Commissioner Narasingha Bhol.
Keeping in view the interest of the tribal community, emphasis was laid on the collection of Mahua flowers. The meeting was held to discuss the necessary funds for this purpose and the concerned departments shared their views. The Managing Director of the State Liquor Corporation, Ambar Kumar Kar and senior departmental officers were present in the meeting among others.
The government has initiated steps to adopt a transparent excise policy in the state, ensuring that the people of the state, including stakeholders, benefit from it. To achieve this, arrangements are being made to gather feedback from stakeholders on the draft proposal for implementing the excise policy 2025-26.
The meeting was held to solicit stakeholders’ opinions, attended by Excise Secretary Guha Punam Tapas Kumar and Excise Commissioner Narasingh Bhola. Minister Harichandan emphasized the importance of inclusive lawmaking, stating that incorporating everyone’s opinions is encouraging for both the government and the people.
