India’s jaggery export earnings declined by around 5.5% in 2025–26, falling to $46.67 million from approximately $49.39 million in the previous financial year, indicating a modest setback for the country’s traditional sweetener exports.
The decline comes despite India maintaining a strong position in the global jaggery market. The country accounts for more than 70% of global jaggery production, with the sector supporting millions of rural livelihoods through small-scale and decentralised processing units.
India’s broader jaggery and confectionery export segment has recorded substantial long-term growth. Export value increased from $197 million in 2015–16 to $406.8 million in 2024–25, representing a rise of 106.5% over the decade. Major destinations have included Indonesia, the United States, the UAE, Nigeria and Nepal.
Government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme and One District One Product (ODOP) are supporting processing, value addition, branding and market access for jaggery producers.
The government is also encouraging the development of processed and value-added jaggery products, including jaggery powder and other food products, to help producers access higher-value domestic and international markets.
Despite the latest decline in export earnings, the sector continues to benefit from growing global interest in natural and minimally processed sweeteners. Expanding value-added products and strengthening overseas market access could provide opportunities for Indian jaggery exporters to regain momentum in the coming years.
