Indulging in sweets not only satisfies the taste buds, but also brings a sense of contentment. Jaggery is among the most healthy and nutritious options, when it comes to sweets. It is a traditional non-centrifugal cane sugar consumed in various countries, including India. The process of jaggery production requires substantial effort. Anakapalle in Srikakulam district (Andhra Pradesh), is known for offering jaggery as prasadam to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTT). In Nimmathorlavada village, located in the Amadalavalasa Mandal of Srikakulam district, jaggery production follows natural farming practices. From harvesting to preparation, the entire process is devoid of any chemical usage. Commonly referred to as Bellam village, approximately 44 farmers in the community collectively engage in the production of jaggery.

The jaggery production in Nimmathorlada village adheres to traditional methods and mirrors the practices of our ancestors. Notably, the farmers in this community have been sending the locally grown jaggery to TTD since last year. This year, initiatives have been launched to sell locally produced jaggery in multiple markets. Historically, Amdalavalasa and Sankili in Srikakulam district accommodated sugar factories that collectively cultivated approximately 50 thousand acres of sugarcane. Presently, the cultivation area has been reduced to 25 thousand acres.

In the district, only 5000 acres are currently allocated for natural farming, while the remaining 20000 acres continue to use chemical fertilisers. The number of individuals practising organic farming has increased to 45 this year, up from 32 last year.

Farmers have reported implementing natural farming methods in cultivating their crops. As part of their agricultural initiatives, 32 individuals were sent to TTD to prepare and send 1 kg of bulbs. A government school teacher shared that students have been informed about the importance of farmland and the efforts made by farmers to preserve it.

Highlighting that several students come from agricultural backgrounds, he noted that they are well-equipped to disseminate this knowledge to their families. Hence, they play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable farming practices.

Jaggery, a traditional non-centrifugal cane sugar, is widely consumed in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Central America, Brazil, and Africa. It is a concentrated product derived from cane juice, often supplemented with date or palm sap.