Kochi: Ernakulam Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) has taken a step towards revitalizing the age-old tradition of sugarcane farming in the Periyar river basin by establishing a jaggery production unit in Alangad, reported The Hindu.
This initiative follows a successful demonstration of sugarcane farming in the region. The equipment for the unit was procured with financial support from the Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute in Bengaluru, and the construction of the facility was sponsored by the Alangad Co-operative Bank. The collaborative efforts extend to the Alangad Grama Panchayath, according to a press release.
In pursuit of sustainable and chemical-free jaggery production, KVK has chosen to cultivate the CO86032 variety of sugarcane. This high-yielding and disease-resistant strain, sourced from the ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute in Coimbatore, is specifically tailored for jaggery production. The ultimate objective is to establish a branded marketing channel for Alangadan Sharkara, potentially earning a Geographical Indication tag in the future. The ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research in Lucknow has played a crucial role by providing technological expertise for the unit. Presently, more than 11 farmers are actively participating in sugarcane farming in collaboration with KVK.
The envisioned impact of this initiative is to reignite local interest in sugarcane cultivation. The combination of the sugarcane farming demonstration, an operational jaggery unit, and branded marketing is expected to motivate local farmers. Furthermore, the project aims to create avenues for value addition and income generation by exploring other sugarcane-derived products such as bottled juice, liquid jaggery, and vacuum-evaporated jaggery, aligning with evolving consumer preferences.
Sugarcane holds profound historical significance in Kerala, particularly in the Periyar river basin, where it has been traditionally cultivated for jaggery production. Known as Sharkara in Malayalam, jaggery not only carries cultural importance but is also esteemed for its mineral-rich and antioxidant properties, offering numerous health benefits. Jaggery is a vital ingredient in various Kerala food preparations, and religious ceremonies, and symbolizes prosperity.
Kerala has faced challenges in recent decades regarding sugarcane cultivation, including low profitability, high labor costs, and competition from more economical alternatives. The establishment of the jaggery production unit and the ongoing collaboration with local farmers signify a concerted effort to address these challenges and rejuvenate the historical legacy of sugarcane cultivation in the region.
