"Marayur Madhuram": Traditional jaggery brand hits the market

The traditional jaggery brand "Marayur Madhuram," produced by the Scheduled Tribes of Marayur and Kanthallur Panchayats, is now available in the market. This jaggery manufacturing unit was established under the 'Sahayakiran' scheme, designed to protect the traditional livelihoods of Scheduled Tribes. The scheme is implemented by the State Scheduled Tribes Development Department with funding from the Central SCA to TSS. The unit is operated by the 'Marayur Kanthallur Tribal Farmers Producers Company,' a company managed by Scheduled Tribe members. This company comprises 150 families who have long been involved in all aspects of sugarcane production, from cultivation to jaggery making. The project aims to ensure fair pricing for sugarcane grown on land owned by Scheduled Tribe farmers while also bringing the profits from jaggery production back to the tribal community. The initiative is expected to provide direct employment to around 25 people and indirect employment to about 300. The project aims to offer high-quality jaggery to the market and ensure fair prices for local sugarcane farmers. With a production capacity of 1,000 kg of jaggery per day, the venture will initially target the retail market. The manufacturing plant, located at Dandukombu Colony in Kanthallur Panchayat, was established with a project cost of Rs. 30 lakh. 'Marayur Madhuram' jaggery will be available in the market during Onam.