SUGARCANE PRODUCTION - AGRICULTURE

News: India may need to import sugar as planting wanes

 

What is in the news?

       Recently, a survey of farmers and traders said that India may import sugar this year due to lower sugarcane production.

 

Sugarcane Production:

       Sugarcane is a giant tropical grass from the family Graminaceae, whose stalk has the particular capacity to store a crystallizable sugar, sucrose.

       It is the main source of sugar, Gur (jaggery), khandsari and molasses.   

       Top Sugarcane Producing States: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bihar.    

       Climatic conditions:

       Temperature: Between 21-27°C with hot and humid climate.

       Rainfall: Around 75-100 cm.

       Soil Type: Deep rich loamy soil.

       India has emerged as the largest producer of sugarcane in the world, surpassing Brazil during the 2021-22.

       The Second Largest Sugar Exporter: India has consistently been the second-largest exporter of sugar, following Brazil.