<p>Bengaluru, dhns: During a discussion on providing alternatives to those who depended on the banned arrack for a livelihood, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar revealed his experience of tasting Neera, which some lawmakers said must be encouraged.</p>.<p>Neera is a sap extracted from various species of toddy palms. Shivakumar said that he had consumed Neera 30-35 years ago. </p><p>“It tasted like juice. I did not feel any intoxication,” he said. Shivakumar asked Leader of the Opposition in the Council Kota Srinivas Poojary if he had tasted Neera. “I wasn’t very confident if I would be able to handle it. I would have mustered the courage if I was as strong as you physically,” Poojary told Shivakumar. Senior Congress MLC B K Hariprasad rose to quip that Poojary “doesn’t drink, but makes others drink”. During the discussion, Poojary urged the government to consider setting up Neera outlets.</p>.<p>“The community that relied on the arrack business is in dire condition. Shendi was banned during Veerendra Patil’s time. Arrack was banned during B S Yediyurappa’s time. Now, Neera has come. The government must allow Neera outlets under the MSIL,” Poojary said.</p>
<p>Bengaluru, dhns: During a discussion on providing alternatives to those who depended on the banned arrack for a livelihood, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar revealed his experience of tasting Neera, which some lawmakers said must be encouraged.</p>.<p>Neera is a sap extracted from various species of toddy palms. Shivakumar said that he had consumed Neera 30-35 years ago. </p><p>“It tasted like juice. I did not feel any intoxication,” he said. Shivakumar asked Leader of the Opposition in the Council Kota Srinivas Poojary if he had tasted Neera. “I wasn’t very confident if I would be able to handle it. I would have mustered the courage if I was as strong as you physically,” Poojary told Shivakumar. Senior Congress MLC B K Hariprasad rose to quip that Poojary “doesn’t drink, but makes others drink”. During the discussion, Poojary urged the government to consider setting up Neera outlets.</p>.<p>“The community that relied on the arrack business is in dire condition. Shendi was banned during Veerendra Patil’s time. Arrack was banned during B S Yediyurappa’s time. Now, Neera has come. The government must allow Neera outlets under the MSIL,” Poojary said.</p>