Sugarcane gives one of the best returns to an average farmer in India, according to the latest data. The crop gives better per hectare returns over the A2+FL cost of production in comparison to wheat and paddy.
According to a statement issued by the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), the sugar industry faces challenges due to a drop in cane production from El Nino, prompting the need for stabilising measures in vulnerable regions like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
Techniques such as drip irrigation, water resource augmentation, and mechanised harvesting are vital. Existing government schemes lack specificity and adequate funding for sugarcane farmers, ISMA said. To overcome this, ISMA has proposed that an inter-ministerial task force involving relevant departments like the Department of Food and Public Distribution, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Ministry of Rural Development, and the Ministry of Petroleum be formed to address the pressing issues and to boost sugarcane productivity.
Relative Avg Gross Return (in %) over Cost of Cultivation (A2+FL) with respect to sugarcane during TE 2021-22
Note: All-India gross returns are weighted average of respective gross returns of projected States. CACP Calculations using CS data and A2+FL cost includes paid out cost plus imputed value of family labour. TE is triennim ending. A triennium is a specified period of three years.
Source: CACP
First Published: Feb 28 2024 | 8:22 PM IST
