Scorching heat leaves D'puri jaggery producers in deep water

THE unavailability of sugarcane in the local markets has severely hit jaggery production in the district.

-  JEVIN SELWYN HENRY

Jaggery producers are facing massive losses as they are procuring sugarcane from other states.

Jaggery production is one of the key cottage industries in the district with over 200 units functioning across the district. As many as 4,000 skilled labourers rely on this industry for their livelihood.

But over the past few months, the water scarcity across the district has impacted sugarcane production and it has directly affected the jaggery industry.

"Due to the shortage of sugarcane in the district, many units are procuring sugarcane from Karnataka. Moreover, jaggery producers are facing massive losses and this could impact jaggery prices in the upcoming months,' said " producers.