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Health Drinks from VGKK
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Saturday, 09 February, 2008, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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MV Chandrashekar, Bangalore
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The Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), based in Biligiri Ranganna Hills (B R Hills) in Chamrajnagar is engaged in the production of health drinks (sherbets), sold under the brand name 'Prakruthi Products'.
The NGO, in association with the Central Food Technology Research Institute, Mysore has been engaged in training the tribes in food processing.
VGKK is engaged in the development of tribals including the local Soligas, besides other tribes in Mysore, Tamil Nadu, Arunachal Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
There are three varieties produced by VGKK. These are Sogade Beru (Nannari Sherbet) made out of roots, jamun and gooseberry. These are nutritious and gives a cooling effect to the body.
The fruits and roots which are available in the B R Hills forest area are picked by the tribal during the season. The roots are dried and sourced during the season, pulverised, and citric acid and cardamom are added, stated Chandrashekar Reddy, marketing-in-charge, VGKK.
At the facility in B R Hills, they can manufacture about 1,500 lt a day. The pulp is stored in food grade cans. A packing unit is also available here.
The health drink is organic in nature, since it is available in the forest, but citric acid is added for preservation.
Right now the drinks are available at Bangalore, Mysore, Dharwad, and Mangalore at organic stores and other departmental stores. They have good sales in the summer season. The Sodage Beru Sherbet comes in 700 ml bottle costing Rs 75, jamun Rs 60 and gooseberries Rs 75. They also have 250 ml bottles. The drink can be consumed by mixing it in water.
These health drinks have been popular by sheer word of mouth publicity, stated Reddy. The product is also sold at local exhibitions.
If there is a demand from outside Karnataka, Reddy says they can supply the health drinks since there is plenty of fruits and roots available to produce these drinks. The drinks can be consumed by the people of all ages.
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