Patna: Bihar is set to emerge as a hub for high-quality jaggery production as the Pusa Sugarcane Research Institute is being developed into a Centre of Excellence with a central government approval of ₹5.69 crore for five years. The first installment of ₹1.32 crore has already been released, marking the beginning of a transformative initiative in the state’s sugarcane and jaggery sector.
Centre of Excellence to Boost Jaggery Quality
The project aims to enhance Bihar’s position in jaggery production at a national level. Sugarcane Minister Sanjay Kumar emphasized that the initiative will ensure consistent research on sugarcane varieties, crop management, and value addition, bringing Bihar’s jaggery to the premium segment.
“By developing modern processing, packaging, and storage technologies, we aim to produce high-quality jaggery that meets national and international standards,” said ACS K. Senthil Kumar. “This will address issues of low-quality jaggery in the market and provide better pricing for producers.”
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Modern Technology for Efficient Production
Under this initiative, the Centre of Excellence will focus on:
- Energy-efficient processing methods for jaggery production
- Development of advanced packaging and storage technologies
- Adoption of scientific techniques to maintain quality and enhance shelf life
- Promotion of cost-effective and sustainable production methods
The program also aims to encourage innovation in value-added jaggery products, supporting entrepreneurship and modernizing Bihar’s traditional jaggery industry.
Employment and Economic Benefits
The initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities for local youth while increasing the income of sugarcane farmers and jaggery producers. By strengthening the jaggery sector, Bihar is poised to create a competitive and sustainable agro-industrial ecosystem.
About the Pusa Sugarcane Research Centre
The Pusa Sugarcane Research Institute has long been a leading agricultural research facility in Bihar. With the new Centre of Excellence designation, the institute will now serve as a benchmark for high-quality jaggery production, combining traditional expertise with modern scientific techniques to enhance productivity, quality, and profitability.
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