A BJP MP from Haryana has called on the government to permit the production of country liquor from grains, sugarcane, fruits, and vegetables to curb the sale of spurious liquor, produced using methanol and other spirits, leading to the deaths of thousands nationwide.
Addressing the issue during the Zero Hour in Lok Sabha, Bhiwani-Mahendragarh MP Dharambir Singh stated, “I suggest that to prevent deaths caused by spurious liquor and to boost farmers’ income, the production of country liquor should be allowed.” He added permits to manufacture country liquor from sugarcane juice and other natural sources can be given at the local level while ensuring that states don’t lose their revenue from excise duty.
“Farmers’ income could increase by two to three times if they are allowed to produce country liquor from sugarcane juice,” the BJP MP added. In an interview with TOI, he explained that his proposal aimed to return to traditional methods, rather than relying on increased liquor imports from countries like the United States and European nations. He said permits to manufacture country liquor from sugarcane juice and other natural sources can be given at local level while ensuring states don’t lose their revenue from excise duty.
