Jaggery Information on Jaggery Popularly known as 'Gur', jaggery is a traditional and unrefined natural sweetener. It is produced by boiling down sugarcane juice without the use of any chemical additives. Since it possesses a high nutritional value—much like honey—it is often referred to as "medicinal sugar." India's Position in Jaggery Production India accounts for more than 70 percent of global jaggery production, thereby standing as the world's largest producer of jaggery. Jaggery production is predominantly carried out through decentralized, small-scale cottage industries. Sugarcane Production in India (2024–25) In the year 2024–25, India's total sugarcane production is estimated at 444.9 million tonnes. The state of Uttar Pradesh contributed 48.5 percent to the total sugarcane production. Maharashtra contributed 24.1 percent, while Karnataka contributed 10.5 percent. Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana are other key states playing a significant role in sugarcane production. Jaggery in Tamil Nadu's Nutrition Schemes To combat malnutrition among children and to boost school attendance, the Government of Tamil Nadu has incorporated jaggery as a key component in its nutrition schemes. Under the 'Nutritious Meal Scheme' and the 'Integrated Child Development Services' (ICDS), supplementary nutritious food is provided to children as 'take-home food packets' for 300 days a year. Jaggery constitutes approximately 27 percent of this supplementary nutritional food mix; this enhances the food's energy and micronutrient value. This supplementary nutritional food mix is commonly referred to as 'Sathumaavu' (Nutritious Flour). This Sathumaavu is procured in a 65:35 ratio from 25 women-managed cooperative societies and two private manufacturing firms. According to NITI Aayog, approximately 32.75 lakh beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu receive nutrient-rich food through this initiative. This scheme also promotes the utilization of traditional and nutrient-dense food products, such as jaggery. Geographical Indication (GI) Tagged Jaggery Varieties A Geographical Indication (GI) identifies products that…
