With Raksha Purnima approaching, sweet sellers and consumers in Odisha are facing a double blow. While rising sugar and milk prices are increasing the cost of sweets, a crackdown on adulterated paneer and chhena has led to a shortage of these key ingredients in the market.
The impact is being felt particularly in Pahala, known as Odisha’s ‘Rasagola Hub’, where the prices of popular sweets are expected to rise. Meanwhile, Cuttack city is witnessing a shortage of chhena and paneer following intensified raids by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation.
Sugar, Milk Prices Push Up Sweet Costs
Sugar prices have increased sharply over the past week. The price of a quintal of sugar has reportedly risen from ₹5,500 to ₹6,800. A shortage of milk has also pushed up the price of chhena by around ₹25 per kilogram.
The rising cost of raw materials is expected to affect the prices of popular sweets across the market.
A ₹5 Rasagola may now cost around ₹7, while the price of a ₹10 Rasagola could rise to ₹15. Similarly, the price of Chhenapoda is expected to increase from around ₹350 to ₹400 per kilogram.
Traders have attributed the rising prices to supply and management-related issues.
Paneer, Chhena Shortage Hits Cuttack
While rising prices are hurting consumers, the administration’s strict action against adulterated paneer and chhena has created another challenge for sweet shops.
Following intensified inspections and raids, several traders have reportedly reduced their stocks. Shopkeepers who previously sold around 15–20 kg of paneer a day are now reportedly managing with only 1–2 kg.
According to traders, chhena suppliers have stopped coming to Cuttack for the past two days following the crackdown. As a result, the availability of chhena and paneer has declined sharply, directly affecting sweet production.
Double Challenge Ahead of the Festive Season
With the festive season approaching, the twin problems of rising production costs and shortages of essential ingredients have increased concerns among both sweet makers and consumers.
On one hand, rising sugar and milk prices are putting pressure on sweet prices. On the other, the administration’s crackdown on adulterated dairy products has disrupted the supply of chhena and paneer.
Consumers are now likely to face higher prices for their favourite sweets during the festive season, while sweet sellers are struggling to maintain production amid rising costs and limited availability of raw materials.
Traders are hoping for better management of sugar and milk supplies and adequate availability of quality dairy products in the market. It remains to be seen how the authorities address the supply issues while continuing their crackdown on adulterated food products.