Maharashtra has reclaimed its crown as the top sugar producer in India. This comes after five years of Uttar Pradesh holding this prestigious title. This achievement comes from Maharashtra’s sugar production for the fiscal year of 2021-22, which tallied up to 138 lakh tonnes. On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh’s production fell behind at 105 lakh tonnes for the same fiscal year. But what factors have driven Maharashtra’s rise and Uttar Pradesh’s decline in sugar production?
The Ascent of Maharashtra’s Sugar Production
A crucial factor contributing to Maharashtra’s massive sugar output is the abundant supply of water. Sugarcane, being an immensely water-dependent crop, needs a significant water supply. Fortunately, farmers in Maharashtra have been able to source this vital need adequately through rainfall, water reservoirs, canals, and groundwater. The region has enjoyed more than enough rainwater since 2019, thanks to the south-west monsoon season.
Water from these rains has filled groundwater aquifers and other reservoirs, providing reliable water sources that are critical for agricultural production. Also, corrections made to underreported cane production data resulted in an increase in recorded sugarcane acreage from 11.42 lakh hectares to 12.4 lakh hectares. This has allowed Maharashtra to reap maximum benefits from sugarcane production in 2021-22.
Uttar Pradesh’s Sugar Production Decline
On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh’s sugar production saw a decline due to several reasons. Firstly, a large portion of its sugarcane crops was diverted towards ethanol production, making Uttar Pradesh the largest ethanol producer. Records show that 12.60 lakh tonnes equivalent of sugar from cane was used for ethanol production in 2021-22, a significant increase from previous years.
Secondly, the state suffered considerable sugarcane crop loss due to excessive rain and waterlogging. Additionally, the majority of sugarcane land in Uttar Pradesh (87%) is planted with a single variety of sugarcane (Co-0238), which is not a high-yield variety. This has led to lower production levels.
Moreover, this variety of sugarcane is highly susceptible to red rot fungal diseases, which have had adverse effects on productivity. Replacing it with resistant varieties such as Co-0118 and Co-15023 could help improve sugarcane production in the future.
Sugarcane Production in India
Among Indian states, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar lead in sugarcane production. India is globally recognized as the second-largest producer of sugarcane, trailing only Brazil. Sugarcane can thrive on all soil types, ranging from sandy loam to clay loam, as long as they are well-drained.
Sugarcane cultivation is labor-intensive, requiring manual work from sowing to harvesting. This crop serves as the primary source for sugar, gur (jaggery), khandsari, and molasses. The National Policy on Biofuels and the Scheme for Extending Financial Assistance to Sugar Undertakings (SEFASU) are two significant initiatives by the Indian government aimed at supporting sugarcane production and the sugar industry.
The Role of Ethanol Blending
Ethanol is a significant biofuel produced naturally through the fermentation of sugars by yeasts or through petrochemical processes. The Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) aims to reduce dependency on crude oil imports, cut carbon emissions, and boost farmer incomes. The Government of India has advanced its target for blending 20% ethanol in petrol, known as E20, to 2025 from 2030.
So, while Maharashtra may have overtaken Uttar Pradesh in sugar production, both states play a significant role in India’s agricultural sector. Their contributions, particularly to sugarcane cultivation and sugar and ethanol production, continue to shape India’s agricultural landscape.