Idukki: In a move to enhance quality jaggery production in Marayur, the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, has handed over a Technology Transfer Document for the establishment of a decentralized processing unit at Kanthalloor. The document was presented to the Marayur Hills Agricultural Development Society (MAHADS), a farmers’ collective, with funding support from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, reported The Hindu.
The technology is licensed free of cost on a non-exclusive basis, as per the project’s funding mandate, according to sources.
R.S. Praveen Raj, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-NIIST Thiruvananthapuram, handed over the document to S. Indrajith, Secretary of MAHADS, during a formal event on Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, Indrajith announced plans to establish a centralized jaggery production system. “Once operational, the system will produce high-quality, export-grade jaggery and jaggery powder. Sugarcane farmers can access the facility at a nominal fee,” he said. He also highlighted that the high cost of jaggery production is a major challenge for sugarcane farmers. “We hope the new decentralized, low-cost production system will encourage more farmers to engage in traditional in Marayur,” he added.
As part of the initiative, officials conducted a training program for sugarcane farmers. Venkatesh T., Senior Scientist at CSIR-NIIST, delivered a lecture on jaggery production, the significance of proper labeling, and processing methods. Praveen Raj spoke about utilizing the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to boost marketing and sales of Marayur Jaggery. Reshma M.V., Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-NIIST, elaborated on the importance of adhering to FSSAI standards for jaggery production and promotion. Albin, Business Development Officer at the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), discussed the export potential of Marayur Jaggery.
During the training program, experts guided farmers and jaggery producers on various processing methods, labeling requirements, and marketing strategies.
Marayur ‘Unda Sharkara’ (Marayur Jaggery) is renowned as the sweetest jaggery produced in Idukki. Made using traditional methods, it is characterized by its dark brown color, high sweetness, rich iron content, and low sodium and insoluble impurities. In 2019, Marayur Jaggery received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the central government, further solidifying its unique identity in the market.
