Image
Stay updated with the latest Prayagraj news.
Officials said preparations for large-scale grain procurement are already underway. District excise officer Sushil Kumar Mishra said grain is currently used mainly in whisky production, while molasses remains the key ingredient for country liquor and rum. Officials said growing urbanisation and changing lifestyle preferences have increased demand for lighter alcoholic beverages.
Prayagraj : The excise department has approved a plan to increase grain-based production of country liquor amid declining availability of sugarcane and growing demand for alcoholic beverages, which have put pressure on molasses supplies. The department plans to procure grains in large quantities from Punjab , Haryana and other agriculturally rich states. Molasses, a by-product of sugar production, has traditionally been the primary raw material for manufacturing country liquor and rum in Uttar Pradesh. However, reduced sugarcane availability has affected molasses supplies, raising concerns over uninterrupted liquor production. With liquor consumption continuing to rise, the department has begun exploring grain as an alternative raw material. The issue was discussed at a recent review meeting of the excise department. As country liquor accounts for the largest share of liquor consumption in the state, ensuring a stable supply is a priority for the department, he added. Meanwhile, Prayagraj is set to get its first low-alcohol beverage bar, offering consumers an option to choose lighter alcoholic drinks. The district bar committee has approved the proposal, and the hotel operator has deposited the requisite fee. Prayagraj has so far not had such an establishment While low-alcohol beverage bars are common in metropolitan cities. The new outlet is expected to cater to consumers seeking mild alcoholic drinks with lower alcohol content than conventional spirits. Download the TOI App.
The outlet, coming up at a hotel near Subhash Crossing in Civil Lines, is expected to become operational within the next 10 days.