An Analysis on Organic and Inorganic Jaggery Production in Mandya District

The present research delves into the dynamic landscape of Jaggery production in Mandya District, Karnataka, exploring the dichotomy between organic and inorganic methods. With a focus on the economic significance of the agriculture sector in India, particularly in Karnataka, where sugarcane is a major commercial crop, the study aims to analyse taluk-wise Jaggery production, compare production costs, and examine associated problems. The research, based on primary data collected through interviews with Jaggery producers in four taluks of Mandya district. Among the key findings, the study highlights a significant difference in sugarcane production between organic and inorganic Jaggery units. Despite challenges such as financial losses and marketing issues faced by sugar factories, the shift to Jaggery production emerges as a potential solution for both farmers and the industry. The results shed light on the taluk and gender-wise distribution of Jaggery producers, emphasizing the predominance of male producers. Furthermore, the research provides insights into variable costs, fixed costs, and daily production of Jaggery in different taluks. The study reveals that organic Jaggery production involves higher variable costs compared to inorganic methods, offering crucial economic insights for stakeholders. Challenges such as non-availability of labour, irregular power supply, and lack of market information are identified as common concerns. The chi-square test results indicate significant associations between opinions on problems like lack of transportation and lack of credit facilities with the method of Jaggery production.