PANAJI
Cashew farmers may be worried about their crop due to an unpredictable winter and a poor flowering season. However, the traditional feni distillers are optimistic and have shown strong interest in the annual cashew zone auctions conducted by the Excise Department.
The first round of auctions for the rights to distil liquor from cashew apples in both North and South Goa was completed two weeks ago. The second round is expected to be wrapped up in the next couple of days.
According to excise officials, the Valpoi-Sattari zone saw the highest demand, with around 670 orchards available for auction. “This year’s auctions have been much better than last year,” an official said, adding that the total revenue will be calculated after the second round.
These annual auctions grant successful bidders the rights to distil feni and its by-products for the current cashew season.
Once the bid amount is paid, the bidder receives a licence to distil up to 25% proof feni or an equivalent amount of the milder urrak.
Excise authorities may seal or confiscate distilled liquor and copper stills if they do not meet quality standards.
