Having begun supply of its best quality for use in ‘prasadams’ of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, the Anakapalle jaggery market, one of the largest in the country, is now getting ready to send the second consignment.
Three months ago, the TTD officials contacted the market for supply of jaggery. Representatives of Anakapalle Merchants' Association took three to four samples from the seven, eight varieties that are generally available in the market yard.
“The pure, red variety has been preferred by the TTD for use in its ‘prasadams’ after lab tests. After deciding on the rate the first consignment of 40 tonnes was sent on July 17,” says AMA president Korukonda Venkata Sarat.
However, the TTD had been informed about the volatile market conditions due to which the association expressed its inability to decide on any long term commitment on rate.
The TTD also indicated that its demand may vary. For instance, during Brahmotsavams it may need more quantity.
“But we have agreed to supply jaggery throughout the year and charge the rate as per the market conditions,” says Mr. Sarat. Earlier, the TTD had been using jaggery from Karnataka. Now they have shifted to Anakapalle variety and the entire demand is being met from our stocks, he says. The best quality will be picked from among the stock with the traders at the time of sending the lorry. During the season fresh stock can be sent and at other times the demand will be met from the cold storage, he says.
The more than 130-year-old Anakpalle jaggery market trades in 45,000 tonnes of stock annually with a turnover of ₹150 crore.