Maharashtra Plans Dedicated Law for Jaggery Industry
The Maharashtra government is set to introduce a separate legal framework for the jaggery and khandsari industry in the upcoming winter session.
A revised draft law for the jaggery industry is being prepared by the Sugar Commissionerate.
Kolhapur, known as the 'jaggery capital', houses over 200 jaggery units with an annual business of ₹200-300 crore.
The need for regulation arises from the industry's significant expansion and the rise of large commercial projects.
The Maharashtra government is advancing plans to establish a distinct legal framework for the jaggery and khandsari industry, with discussions underway for a dedicated law to be introduced in the upcoming winter session. This initiative follows the preparation of a draft law by the Sugar Commissionerate, which has since undergone revisions based on government feedback.
Officials are currently refining the draft to address the evolving needs of the industry, which has seen substantial growth in recent years. The ministerial committee overseeing this initiative has mandated that a decision be made within one month after the revised draft is submitted. If all goes according to plan, the new legislation could be presented during the winter session.
The jaggery industry, traditionally characterized by small-scale production using locally sourced sugarcane, has transitioned into a more commercialized sector. Areas such as Daund in Pune and parts of Kolhapur are now home to large-scale operations processing hundreds of tonnes of sugarcane daily. This shift has highlighted the necessity for a regulatory framework to manage the complexities of modern jaggery production.
Kolhapur, often referred to as the 'jaggery capital' of Maharashtra, boasts over 200 jaggery units, particularly concentrated in the talukas of Karveer, Kagal, and Shahuwadi. The district's jaggery business is valued between ₹200 crore and ₹300 crore annually, with around 20 to 30 operational units currently. The increasing scale of production has intensified discussions around the need for independent regulations, a topic that has been on the agenda for the past four to five years.
Dr. Sanjay Kolte, the Sugar Commissioner, confirmed that work on the revised draft is ongoing. He indicated that once the revisions are complete, the updated report will be submitted to the government for further action. This legislative move is expected to provide a structured approach to managing the jaggery industry, ensuring its sustainable growth amid rising investments and production demands.
