The Kerala Excise Minister, M. B. Rajesh, told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday that the state should ramp up local liquor production. He said Kerala already has the capacity to produce its own beer, wine and spirits, and that doing so would meet home demand and open doors for exports.
“Kerala can make its own liquor,” Rajesh said. “But some vested interests are trying to block it.” He acknowledged that some residents might oppose the move, but warned that opposition should not stop progress. He also questioned concerns about water supply, noting that Kerala’s water situation is no worse than that of neighboring Karnataka.
There are nine distilleries in the state, yet none are currently producing liquor. Rajesh blamed the lack of production on political interference and other opposition. He added that the government would not “bow to vested interests.” While the minister hinted that tough steps might be taken, he stressed that the goal was to revive local industry.
A key part of the plan is a long‑term liquor policy. Rajesh criticized the current system, which rewrites policy every year, and said that this uncertainty discourages investors and prevents distilleries from setting up shop. “We need a five‑year policy,” he said. “The absence of a stable framework keeps manufacturers on edge and stops new projects from moving forward.”
Officials say work is already underway to draft such a policy. The move aims to create a more investor‑friendly environment and secure a stable, profitable liquor sector for Kerala.
Data from the government in 2023 show that Kerala’s liquor consumption is 12.4 percent lower than the national average. Rajesh’s push for local production and a clear policy framework could change that trend, turning the state’s liquor industry into a sustainable and economically valuable sector.
Source: ianslive
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