Sweet success: Mudhol farmer exports organic jaggery to Russia, for big profit

The establishment of Organic Jaggery Technology Park in Mudhol has given boost to the jaggery industry in the district, relieving farmers from long wait for settlement of their dues from the sugar mills and fighting for better price for their cane produce. Built by the University of Agriculture Sciences-Dharwad under the National Agriculture Development Scheme, the park has the crushing capacity of 15 tonnes per day. Several farmers are getting the jaggery prepared at the park by processing their organic sugarcane. Stimulated by the establishment of Jaggery Park, the farmers are planning to set up their own unit in their farm.

"I am producing 200 tonnes of organic sugarcane every year in my 5 acres agriculture land. I am earning Rs 4,500 per tonnes on sale of jaggery as against Rs 2,000 per tonne being offered by sugar factories. I am also getting double yield by cultivating sugarcane without using chemicals and fertilisers. There is huge demand for organic jaggery in the local markets including Bengaluru and Hyderabad", said farmer Sangangouda Patil.

The park also produces thick jaggery syrup which can be used as jam for direct consumption as it contains fructose, sucrose and glucose, a powdered form of jaggery besides solid jaggery.

Now plans are afoot to create a wider market by launching a website to stimulate export of chemical-free jaggery. "We are providing demonstration for cultivation of organic sugarcane and production of the jaggery at the park. There is growing awareness among the people about use of organic jaggery among people to protect their health as there is high chemical content in sugar.”