ICAR-SBI Promotes Nutrient-Rich Liquid Jaggery Through Technology Transfer

The ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute (ICAR-SBI) in Coimbatore is actively promoting its unique, nutrient-rich liquid jaggery, known as 'Kaakvi.' This additive-free product is rich in potassium, manganese, calcium, and zinc, offering health benefits such as enhanced hemoglobin levels and acidity control. Currently popular in Kerala and Maharashtra, the institute is licensing the technology to entrepreneurs to expand its market reach. A Kerala-based company has already licensed the product, selling it in 600-gram bottles for ₹100. The institute charges ₹10,000 for training and technology transfer, targeting health-conscious consumers who prefer natural sweeteners that release energy gradually compared to refined sugar. Beyond liquid jaggery, ICAR-SBI’s pilot facility produces cane jam, dietary fiber products, and novel frozen foods, while its lab has successfully tested cane juice powder production. The initiative highlights a shift towards healthier, nutraceutical-grade sweeteners in the Indian market, leveraging agricultural research to create value-added products for various culinary and medicinal applications, including Ayurvedic formulations and confectionery.