TN jaggery producers seek inclusion in Pongal gift scheme to revive traditional industry
In Chennai, Dec. 27 (IANS) — As the harvest festival of Pongal draws near, jaggery makers and farmers throughout Tamil Nadu are urging the state government to add locally produced jaggery to the annual gift hamper that is sent out through fair‑price shops.
They argue that such a move would give a much‑needed boost to small‑scale cottage industries and bring a welcome lift to rural families that are grappling with higher production costs and a shrinking market.
Under the Tamil Nadu welfare program, the government already distributes essentials such as raw rice, refined sugar and sugarcane to ration‑card holders each year. Replacing refined sugar with home‑made jaggery would not only strengthen rural livelihoods but also encourage healthier eating habits.
Dharmapuri district, a key jaggery‑producing area, hosts more than 100 traditional units spread across places like Palacode, Pennagaram, Papparapatti and neighbouring villages. While the region contributes significantly to the state’s total output, jaggery production is in decline due to low demand, higher input costs, and diminishing profit margins.
Industry leaders point out that Dharmapuri alone accounts for roughly 17–20 % of Tamil Nadu’s jaggery supply, producing about 60 tonnes a day. Yet the cost of making just 100 kg of jaggery can reach Rs 5,200–Rs 5,500, while market prices stay around Rs 46–Rs 48 per kilogram, leaving producers on a continuous loss loop. The production process is labor‑intensive; skilled workers now demand daily wages between Rs 700 and Rs 1,000, and many are reluctant to stay in the industry because of its physical demands and uncertain returns.
Producers contend that incorporating jaggery into the Pongal gift program would secure demand, stabilize prices, and help preserve traditional manufacturing practices.
District officials have acknowledged that similar requests have been made in the past but emphasized that any policy change would be decided at the state level. For thousands of smallholders and artisans, the prospect of a state‑backed market boost offers a lifeline that could revive a waning agrarian craft and keep the cultural spirit of Pongal alive.
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