Author(s): Pukhraj Singh and Arun Solanki

Abstract: This study investigates the socio-economic characteristics of jaggery processing unit (JPU) owners in Baghpat district, Uttar Pradesh, a region recognized for its significant sugarcane cultivation and jaggery production. Utilizing a descriptive research design, the study analyzes various socio-economic factors, including age, caste, occupation, education, marital status, and landholding size, to identify patterns influencing jaggery production. Additionally, the research explores the sources of investment and labor requirements associated with different categories of jaggery processing units—small, medium, and large. The findings reveal that the majority of units, particularly small ones, primarily rely on personal funds for investment, while larger units show greater reliance on bank loans and external sources of financing. Small units are characterized by a lower investment need, while medium and large units require more capital for their operations. Regarding labor, small units typically employ around 9 workers, while medium and large units demand 12 and 17 workers on average, respectively. The labor requirements increase across tasks such as cane feeding, juice stirring, filtration, and packaging, with larger units requiring more specialized labor. The overall average labor requirement across all units is 12.67 workers per unit. These findings underscore the operational challenges faced by jaggery processing unit owners, especially in securing financial resources and managing labor. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, highlighting the need for improved access to finance and labor management strategies to foster the growth and sustainability of jaggery production in Uttar Pradesh.

Pages: 81-85 | Views: 11 | Downloads: 2

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