Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Government has moved to amend the Abkari Act to permit self-help groups and cooperative institutions to manufacture value-added products, such as vinegar, from surplus toddy.

A bill facilitating this legislative change will be presented in the Legislative Assembly on Monday. Following initial deliberations, the House will refer it to a Subject Committee for detailed scrutiny.

The initiative, originally outlined in the government’s 2023-24 liquor policy, aims to tackle the issue of wastage within the state's traditional toddy sector. Under current regulations, strict licensing is required for the transport, distribution, and retail of the fermented sap. However, considerable volumes of the beverage often go to waste once the daily legal sale window concludes.

By allowing organisations like Kudumbashree to intervene, the government hopes to create a sustainable secondary industry. Under the proposed framework, interested organisations must apply for specific licenses to purchase and store the raw spirit.

Government sources indicated that while the move encourages entrepreneurship, it will remain tightly regulated. There will be reportedly clear caps on the number of licenses issued per region to maintain control. Specific details regarding license fees and operational guidelines are expected to be finalised once the Subject Committee submits its recommendations.