FPC expands 'neera' franchises in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada
Udupi Kalparasa Coconut and All Spices Producer Company has added four new franchises for its 'neera' products, bringing the total to 12 in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The new locations are in Byndoor, Karavali Junction, and two in Surathkal. The company has been tapping 'neera' using technology from the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute for over two years. It currently has permission to tap from 512 trees, using about 200 in Udupi district. Additional franchises are planned in Mangaluru and Ullal, which will increase the total to 14. 'Neera' is a nutrient-rich coconut sap with a short shelf-life, but the Coco-sap Chiller technology helps maintain its quality.