Feni policy will get academic inputs

VIBHA VERMA

vibha@herald-goa.com

PANJIM: With the State Assembly recognising feni as a ‘heritage brew’ taking the beverage to the global market, Excise Department has now decided to rope in the expertise of Goa University or Goa Institute of Management (GIM) to hone the policy regulating the traditional brew.

The department and the feni industry have been struggling to shed off the tag of country liquor to the drink despite the government opening the gateway for it to be marketed globally. “When we call feni a heritage drink, it should carry certain strength, standard and quality,” Excise Commissioner Menino D’Souza told Herald disclosing the intentions of the government to involve GU or GIM for assisting the department in drafting a feni policy.

D’Souza said the department has invited presentations from both the institutions, of which one would be selected for the purpose. “We will finalise one of the two institutions to carry out a thorough research project, based on their presentation. The report will guide the State on taking forward the goal of giving a global platform to feni, which is unique in style,” he said.

The State Legislative Assembly had adopted a policy which banned drinking liquor at certain public spaces and also declared feni a heritage drink. Experts from both the institutions will conduct surveys and advise the State on tapping markets and communicating with the stakeholders, which is a gigantic task.

Though Goa’s famed alcoholic beverage has found a market in certain countries and achieved GI status, it is still looked upon as country liquor. This, the commissioner reiterated, prompted the State to uplift its standard and give it a fancy appearance. “Once the policy is in place, it will carry the same weightage as other liquor brands. We have also approached the Food and Drugs Administration for its standardisation and certification,” the Commissioner said. 

While efforts are on to grant feni a reputed status, urrak – the first fraction of the distilled juice – will automatically come in the same category.