The Sweet Taste of Success: SHG Women Begin Production of Chemical-Free Jaggery (Gur) and Vinegar (Sirka)

In the agricultural belt of Ballia, sugarcane is a common crop. However, for years, small farmers and laborers saw little profit from it, often selling raw cane to mills at low rates or facing delayed payments.

GJKS decided to change this narrative. We are excited to announce that our Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have moved into Sugarcane Processing, launching the production of pure, additive-free Gur (Jaggery) and natural Sirka (Vinegar).

Returning to Roots: Chemical-Free Jaggery

Market shelves are full of bright yellow jaggery, which often looks appealing but is loaded with chemicals like hydros and artificial colors.

Our SHG women have taken a pledge of purity.

• The Process: They use traditional iron woks to boil fresh sugarcane juice, using natural clarifiers (like wild okra stems) instead of harsh chemicals.

• The Result: The Gur produced is dark, mineral-rich, and packed with iron. It is the perfect healthy alternative to refined white sugar, offering immunity benefits during the winter months.

The Natural Healer: Sugarcane Vinegar (Sirka)

Alongside Jaggery, we have revived the art of making traditional Ganne ka Sirka (Sugarcane Vinegar).
Fermented naturally over months in earthen pots, this vinegar is distinct from the synthetic, acetic acid-based vinegars found in supermarkets.

• Digestive Gold: Traditional Sirka is known for its probiotic properties and ability to aid digestion.

• A Perfect Pair: This vinegar isn’t just a product for sale; it also supports our Pickle Unit, ensuring that the pickles we produce are preserved using our own high-quality, natural vinegar.

From Farm Laborers to Manufacturers

This initiative is a classic example of Value Addition.
By processing the cane themselves, the women earn significantly more than they would by selling the raw crop. They control the quality, they control the price, and they reap the rewards.

Taste the Tradition

With winter approaching, there is no better time to switch to healthy sweeteners.
Our pure Desi Gur and natural Sirka are now available for purchase. When you buy these products, you are not just sweetening your tea or seasoning your salad—you are adding sweetness to the lives of the women who made them.

Available now at the Hamaragaon Smart Store.