Chaku, traditional sweets makers struggle with low returns
Producers are working at full capacity to meet the growing appetite for these festive treats.
KATHMANDU: With Maghe Sankranti arriving, demand for chaku (traditional molasses) and nutritious local sweets has surged across Nepal.
Producers are working at full capacity to meet the growing appetite for these festive treats.
Although chaku and other traditional sweets are made year-round, sales spike significantly during Maghe Sankranti.
Rajkaji Shrestha, owner of Nhuchhe Tokha Chaku Industry in Tokha, Kathmandu, says the factory is struggling to keep up with production due to the overwhelming demand.
“The sweets we produce are sold not only in the capital but also across the country and abroad,” Shrestha said. “The demand for chaku and nutritious treats is very high and challenging to meet. This year, we are producing more than last year—around 700–800 bags of 50 kg each. Chaku production has been a tradition since our ancestors, and people continue to enjoy it.”
Shrestha added that chaku is made from high-quality sugar, which makes the treats especially popular. “Though the trade is not limited to Maghe Sankranti, we focus production during this festival. We sell chaku at around Rs 150 per kilogram. Traditionally, it was handmade, but now production uses both manual and machine methods.”
Despite the high demand, Shrestha noted that local producers are not getting sufficient support from the government. “Farmers who grow sugarcane benefit, but industries face challenges due to fluctuating prices. Still, we continue to produce these traditional sweets to keep the cultural heritage alive,” he said.
