Jaggery price rises as sugar becomes costlier

Belagavi: With sugar prices rising and demand for jaggery increasing, jaggery made without adding sugar is now fetching Rs 5,000 to Rs 5,800 per quintal in Belagavi district.Sugarcane is cultivated on more than three lakh hectares in the district. While most farmers supply their cane to sugar factories, some make jaggery at local jaggery-making units.These units usually operate from after Navaratri until January in major sugarcane-growing areas. However, some units produce jaggery throughout the year and are currently getting better prices.“We prepare jaggery throughout the year, with around one tonne made every day. Our products are sent to the Belagavi APMC, various towns in the district and Maharashtra. We make jaggery without adding sugar and it fetches up to Rs 5,800 per quintal. Prices change every day. Demand has increased due to the rise in sugar prices,” said Yuvraj Patil of Kalakhamb in Belagavi taluk.Belagavi APMC trader Sachin Bhairappanavar said jaggery was priced at around Rs 5,000 per quintal in September last year, compared with up to Rs 5,800 now. “People are showing more interest in buying jaggery as sugar price has increased,” he added.“Jaggery price usually rises during Ganeshotsav, Navaratri and Deepavali and then stabilises. Jaggery made by adding sugar is sold for up to Rs 4,000 per quintal,” Bhairappanavar said.Price riseSugar has become expensive, so consumers are looking for cheaper alternatives such as jaggery. It has increased demand for jaggery, particularly for household consumption and traditional sweets.During festival season such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Navaratri and Deepavali, demand is usually stronger, further supporting prices.Jaggery is mainly made by extracting juice from sugarcane and boiling it until the water evaporates, leaving a thick concentrated mass that is cooled and moulded.Traditional jaggery can be made without adding sugar. However, some commercial units may add sugar or other ingredients to modify the colour, sweetness, texture or yield.

Source: Deccan Herald