As the Chhath festival nears, sugarcane farmers in Mahottari district are intensifying molasses production to meet rising demand ahead of the celebrations. The sweet syrup, known locally as mittha, is a key ingredient in traditional Chhath offerings and festive sweets, prompting both a surge in consumption and a corresponding increase in market prices.
Following Dashain, the festive spirit across Madhes is heightening as preparations begin for Tihar and Chhath. Molasses plays an essential role in several customary dishes made during Chhath, including kheer, thekuwa, and bhusuwal. This has led to heightened activity among producers who are aiming to supply local markets ahead of the festival.
Surendra Sah, a molasses producer based in Surtibikas Chowk, Gaushala Municipality-4, noted that demand for molasses peaks annually around Chhath due to widespread household use for religious and culinary purposes. Farmers view this seasonal increase in demand and prices as an opportunity to supplement their income.
Farmers in the area have increasingly turned toward molasses production in light of challenges related to selling sugarcane to mills. Delays in obtaining cutting permits and payments from sugar mills have made direct molasses production a more attractive and reliable option. Ramkishor Mahato, from Kalipur in Gaushala Municipality-11, explained that producing molasses independently allows farmers to avoid these hurdles.
Similarly, Dev Narayan Sah of Gaushala-4 emphasized the cash flow benefits of molasses production, as sales occur immediately after crushing the cane. This also facilitates timely field clearance for subsequent crops.
Sugarcane-crushing operations are active in several Mahottari locations, including Gaushala, Bardibas, Bhangaha, Aurahi, and Sonama. Within Gaushala alone, approximately half a dozen molasses units are working to ramp up production to supply markets before Chhath. Producers aim to capitalize on the higher prices typically available around the festival period.
According to molasses artisan Mohammad Jumrati Ansari, producing one quintal of molasses requires eight to ten quintals of sugarcane. He noted that fully mature cane usually yields one quintal of molasses from nine quintals of sugarcane; however, this season’s relatively immature cane has increased the input needed.
Price fluctuations are significant during this period. Shyam Kishor Mahar, involved in molasses production, reported that standard prices hover around Rs. 80 per kilogram but rise to between Rs. 100 and Rs. 150 per kilogram depending on quality during Chhath.
The production process involves crushing harvested sugarcane using either traditional kolhu mills or mechanical crushers to extract the juice, which is then refined and boiled in large iron pans until it thickens. The final product cools and solidifies before being cut into various sizes.
The sharp rise in demand for molasses associated with Chhath presents an opportunity to increase farmers’ earnings from sugarcane cultivation. Expanding connections between local molasses producers and organized markets could further enhance income stability for growers and contribute to the rural economy’s development.