SUGAR INDUSTRY
WHAT IS THE STATUS OF SUGAR INDUSTRY IN INDIA?
- India has surpassed Brazil and became world’s largest producer and consumer.
- During 2021–2022, 35.8 million tonnes of production.
- Maharashtra reached top spot for sugar production.
- It is the cheapest sources of energy with 10% of daily caloric intake.
- There are about 27 million tonnes of domestic demand annually.
- Also used to make ethanol.
WHERE IS SUGAR INDUSTRY LOCATED IN INDIA?
- It is broadly distributed over two major areas -
- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana and Punjab in the north
- Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in the south.
- South India has tropical climate which is suitable for higher yield than north India.
WHY SUGAR INDUSTRY PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN INDIA?
- It is a labour-intensive industry with multiple linkages from cane-growing to sugar and alcohol production.
- It is the main source of employment for around 50 million farmers and families.
- As a multi-product crop
- production of sugar
- ethanol
- paper
- electricity
- Molasses is used for alcohol production and livestock feeding.
- Used in making Biofuel and reduce crude oil imports.
- Multiple usage of baggase - as a fuel and raw material for paper industry.
WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS FACED BY SUGAR INDUSTRY?
- Lower yield than others.
- Short crushing season.
- Competition on land with other food and cash crops.
- Average rate of recovery is lower than others.
- Production cost is highest in the world.
- Small sized mills in India.
- Falling Sugar Prices.
- Higher export prices.