Sweet start to Onam: Pandalam jaggery production begins at Kadakkad centre

Pandalam: To add a touch of sweetness to this year’s Onam celebrations, the Sugarcane Seed Production Centre at Kadakkad, under the Department of Agriculture, is all set to begin production of the famed Pandalam jaggery within a week. Although the exact production volume is yet to be finalised, the authorities are aiming to produce the maximum quantity possible this season. Preparations are already underway, with machinery being arranged for the production process.

The jaggery, which will be of the Pathiyan variety, will be packed using automated filling machines to ensure quality and hygiene. This year, production will be limited exclusively to this variety.

The jaggery will be priced at ₹140 per kilogram. According to Agricultural Officer R Rajith, sales are expected to begin well ahead of the Onam season. Sugarcane cultivated over 15 acres at the Centre's campus will be used for production. Known for being pure and free of adulterants, Pandalam jaggery enjoys strong demand in the open market.

The centre aims to produce around 200 kilograms of jaggery daily, with expert workers being recruited on a contract basis to carry out the production.