How a scientist couple reinvented jaggery

In 2021, they opened their first plant ‘Sarvaay’ in Pune, turning a traditional sweetener into a consistent, modern product

Dr Vishal Sardeshpande from IIT Mumbai and his wife, Madhavi Sardeshpande, a scientist at NCL, were troubled by the inconsistencies in a product that has been a staple in Indian homes for generations.

Dr Vishal Sardeshpande and his wife, Madhavi Sardeshpande. (HT)

Madhavi says, “Jaggery is something our grandparents trusted. But today, it depends on traditional processing methods that are inconsistent. Farmers struggle with unpredictable furnace performance, lack skilled labour, use excessive fuel, and often operate under poor hygiene conditions. This results in jaggery that varies in colour, texture,