“Feni has achieved Goa’s first geographical indication (GI) and is also the first liquor product in the country to obtain GI status. Feni is synonymous with the Goan ethos and identity. It finds its uses in various cultural traditions, cuisines as well as it is famed for its medicinal use,” Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said in his Budget speech.
Parsekar said that Feni should not have been categorized as country liquor as is presently defined under the Goa Excise Duty Act, 1964. “I therefore propose to give feni its rightful and deserving status by declaring this spirit as ‘heritage spirit of Goa,” he said.
The Budget proposes to amend the Goa Excise Duty Act, 1964 shortly. As such, the Government has proposed to give boost to the local distiller to promote this culture and tradition of distilling and ensure that the benefits of GI, as well as, measures taken by the Excise department, reach the primary and traditional stakeholders.
Chief Minister announced exemption of VAT on certain category of distillers of cashew and palm feni. The Budget speaks about formulation of a feni policy, standardization of the production process and provides necessary equipment and infrastructure, marketing support and fair price control.
Reacting to this, Mac Vaz, President, Goa Cashew Feni Distillers and Bottlers Association said, “The stakeholders are glad that the Goa government has recognised their potential and working in tandem to ensure that the feni stands shoulder to shoulder with the best liquors in the world. We all are thankful to the State
government.”
