Pongal without jaggery? Thanjavur’s traditional industry faces crisis

Once celebrated as a hub of traditional jaggery production, Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu is witnessing a sharp decline in an industry that was deeply rooted in its agrarian economy.

Today, only a handful of jaggery units remain operational, most of them running far below their capacity. Sugarcane farmers blame the downturn on falling demand, escalating production costs, and the absence of sustained government support. These challenges have forced many producers to shut down their units, pushing the age-old trade to the brink.