As Onam approaches, preparations are underway in Kerala to ensure that no celebration goes without the traditional jaggery-laced payasam or jaggery-coated banana chips, known as sharkara varatti. With jaggery in high demand during the festive season, alongside bananas and flowers, the Sugarcane Seed Production Centre in Kadakkad, Pathanamthitta district, is preparing to launch production of the famed Pandalam jaggery in the coming week.
Operated by the state Agriculture Department, the centre is working to boost jaggery production to the highest possible level this season. While an exact target hasn’t been announced, preparations are already in full swing, with machinery installations being finalized to ensure a smooth production process, reported The South First.
This year, only the Pathiyan variety of sugarcane will be used to produce the jaggery, which will be packed using automated filling systems to uphold hygiene and quality standards. According to Agricultural Officer R. Rajith, the jaggery, priced at Rs. 140 per kilogram, is expected to be available in the market well ahead of Onam.
The sugarcane, grown across 15 acres within the centre’s premises, will be used exclusively for this batch. Known for being pure and free from additives, Pandalam jaggery continues to enjoy strong demand among consumers.
To meet production goals, the centre plans to make around 200 kilograms daily, bringing in experienced workers on contract to manage the process.
