Bhubaneswar: India’s jaggery industry continues to witness steady growth driven by strong sugarcane production, rising export demand and increasing consumer preference for natural sweeteners.
According to official estimates, India’s total sugarcane production for 2024–25 is projected at around 444.9 million tonnes, providing substantial support to the country’s jaggery and traditional sweetener sector.
India is also among the leading exporters of jaggery and confectionery products, including traditional Indian sweets and sugar-based candies. During 2015–16, exports of jaggery and related confectionery items were valued at approximately USD 197 million, with export volumes estimated at 292.8 metric tonnes.
Industry observers note that domestic demand for natural sweeteners has increased significantly in recent years as consumers shift toward less processed food products and traditional dietary alternatives.
In the sweetener segment, products such as jaggery and honey recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 15–20 per cent during the 2021–24 period, reflecting rising health awareness and changing consumption patterns.
Experts say the expanding demand for jaggery is also supporting rural livelihoods, small-scale processing units and traditional agro-based industries linked to sugarcane cultivation across multiple states in India.
-OdishaAge
