How to start a jaggery making business in India?

Jaggery (gur) is a traditional, unrefined sweetener with growing demand due to its perceived health benefits over white sugar. This is an agro-processing business.1. Source Raw Material: SugarcaneThe quality of jaggery depends entirely on the sugarcane. Location: Set up your unit close to sugarcane farms to minimize transportation costs of the heavy cane. Quality: Work with farmers to procure fresh, high-yield sugarcane. The sucrose content is crucial.2. The Production Process:The traditional process is well-established but can be made more efficient. Crushing: The cane is crushed using a crusher (powered by electricity or diesel) to extract the juice. Clarification: The juice is boiled in large, shallow pans. Impurities are skimmed off the top. Sometimes natural clarifying agents like castor oil or papaya leaves are added. Concentration: The juice is continuously boiled until it thickens into a concentrated syrup. Molding: The thick syrup is poured into molds (round, rectangular, or blocks) where it cools and solidifies into jaggery.3. Machinery and Setup: Basic Setup: You need a sugarcane crusher, a boiling pan (often called a "karahi"), a furnace (using bagasse—the crushed cane fiber—as fuel is cost-effective), and molding trays. Modernization: Consider investing in a juice filter and a cooling table to improve efficiency and hygiene.4. Legalities and Marketing: Licenses: You will need a FSSAI license and a GST registration. A factory license from the local municipality may also be required. Types of Jaggery: You can produce different varieties: solid blocks, liquid jaggery, powdered jaggery (which has a growing market). Sales Channels:* Sell to local wholesalers, grocery stores, and sweet shops. Explore online platforms like Amazon or dedicated organic food sites to reach health-conscious consumers directly.This business is seasonal (aligned with the sugarcane harvest season). Profitability depends on managing the cost of raw materials and the efficiency of your production process.