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.

With the Pongal festival approaching, a season traditionally associated with jaggery, farmers say they are facing a severe livelihood crisis. Many are urging the government to step in and procure jaggery and sugarcane, as is done for other major cash crops.

Farmers warn that without timely intervention, Thanjavur’s traditional jaggery industry may soon fade into history, erasing not just a source of income for thousands but also a sweet legacy that has been an integral part of Tamil culture for centuries.