By Abubakar Mikailu
As Nigeria intensifies efforts toward economic diversification and industrial self-reliance, the promotion of underutilized agro-based raw materials presents a strategic opportunity. One such resource is jaggery a traditional, natural sweetener produced from sugarcane juice. Beyond its health benefits and cultural heritage, jaggery holds vast economic potential for value addition, job creation, and import substitution. It aligns squarely with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council’s (RMRDC) mandate to foster sustainable industrial growth through the development of Nigeria’s local raw materials.
Jaggery, commonly referred to as, mazankwila or gur in some regions, is a minimally processed product made by boiling sugarcane juice until it solidifies into golden-brown blocks or granules. Unlike refined sugar, jaggery retains trace minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants, making it a healthier alternative.
Jaggery is known for: a lower glycemic index than refined sugar (though higher than dates), iron-rich content which helps in combating anemia, digestive and detoxifying properties, and sustained energy release.
Transforming sugarcane into jaggery rather than refined sugar opens up opportunities for value addition at the local level. Instead of selling raw sugarcane at low prices, farmers and cooperatives can process it into jaggery, which has a longer shelf life, higher market value, and multiple by-products.
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Value-added products include jaggery cubes and powders, herbal jaggery, energy snacks and nutritional bars, and jaggery syrup. This diversification enhances profitability and fosters cottage industries in rural and semi-urban areas.
From import substitution and SME development to job creation and export potential, jaggery offers multiple avenues to strengthen the local economy. A developed jaggery value chain includes input supply, processing, capacity building, and quality assurance.
RMRDC plays a crucial role in promoting the use of local raw materials like sugarcane, supporting research, facilitating partnerships, and advocating policies to incentivize jaggery production.
Jaggery is more than a sweetener it is an economic resource. With strategic support and investment in its value chain, jaggery can become a national asset aligned with Nigeria’s development vision.
