Sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh is one of the major pillars of the state’s agricultural economy. Uttar Pradesh (UP) is India’s largest sugarcane-producing state, contributing nearly 40% of the country’s total sugarcane production. With fertile alluvial soil, a favorable climate, and robust irrigation infrastructure, UP has emerged as a leading hub for sugarcane cultivation. This cash crop not only generates substantial income for farmers but also fuels the sugar and ethanol industries, supporting lakhs of rural families.
In this article, we explore the importance, methods, and challenges of sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh, along with government support and the latest trends that make it a sustainable and profitable venture.
Importance of Sugarcane Farming in Uttar Pradesh
Sugarcane is not just a crop in UP it is a way of life for millions of farmers. With over 2.3 million hectares under cultivation, sugarcane provides employment and income to more than 4 million farming families in the state. The crop also supports over 120 sugar mills and numerous jaggery (gur) units, playing a key role in industrial development.
Key Contributions:
- Major source of cash income for farmers
- Supports the sugar, ethanol, and jaggery industries
- Enhances rural employment and infrastructure
- Promotes intercropping with wheat, pulses, and vegetables
Ideal Conditions for Sugarcane Farming in UP
Uttar Pradesh enjoys ideal agro-climatic conditions for sugarcane cultivation. The crop thrives in:
- Sub-tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C
- Well-drained alluvial soils rich in organic matter
- Annual rainfall between 1000 mm to 1500 mm
- Availability of canal and tube well irrigation
Major sugarcane-growing districts include Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Saharanpur, Bareilly, and Lakhimpur Kheri.
Popular Sugarcane Varieties in Uttar Pradesh
To ensure high yields and better resistance to pests and diseases, farmers in UP grow a mix of early, mid, and late-maturing sugarcane varieties. Some popular ones include:
- Co-0238 (Kanchan): High-yielding and widely accepted
- CoJ 64 and CoS 8436: Early maturing with good sugar recovery
- CoS 767: Suitable for intercropping and ratoon cropping
These varieties are recommended by UP Sugarcane Research Institutes for their adaptability and performance.
Farming Practices for High Yield
To maximize productivity, sugarcane farmers in Uttar Pradesh adopt several advanced practices:
1. Land Preparation:
Deep plowing followed by harrowing and leveling is essential to ensure good root penetration and water retention.
2. Seed Selection and Planting:
Healthy, disease-free cane setts (3-budded pieces) are planted in furrows spaced 75–90 cm apart during February to April (spring season) or September to October (autumn planting).
3. Fertilization:
- Application of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) before planting
- Use of balanced NPK fertilizers based on soil testing
- Timely top dressing of nitrogen to promote tillering
4. Irrigation Management:
Sugarcane requires 10–15 irrigations per crop cycle, especially during the critical tillering and elongation stages.
5. Weed and Pest Control:
Farmers use mechanical weeding, mulching, and herbicides for weed control. Pests like early shoot borer and termites are managed through integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
Ratoon Cropping System
In UP, ratooning (growing a new crop from the previous stubble) is widely practiced to save input costs and labor. Proper ratoon management involves:
- Early cutting of the previous crop
- Gap filling and weed removal
- Timely fertilization and irrigation
Ratoon crops can yield 70–80% of the original crop, making it a cost-effective strategy.
Government Support and Schemes
The UP government actively promotes sugarcane farming through several initiatives:
- Free soil testing and advisory services
- Subsidies on drip irrigation and farm machinery
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for input support
- Timely cane payment through the Sugarcane Development Department portal
- Promotion of ethanol blending program (EBP) for better market linkage
These efforts have increased farmers’ confidence and improved productivity across the state.
Challenges in Sugarcane Farming in UP
Despite its success, sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh faces several challenges:
- Delayed cane payments from sugar mills
- Depleting groundwater levels due to excessive irrigation
- Pest infestations and climate variability
- Small and fragmented land holdings
However, modern techniques such as drip irrigation, mechanization, and climate-resilient varieties are helping farmers address these issues effectively.
Future of Sugarcane Farming in UP
With growing demand for sugar and ethanol, sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh is expected to become even more lucrative. The government’s focus on biofuel policies, value addition through jaggery and sugar production, and export opportunities are creating new income streams for farmers.
Incorporating digital agriculture tools, precision farming, and agri-entrepreneurship models will further transform the sugarcane sector in the coming years.
Conclusion
Sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh continues to be a backbone of rural prosperity, offering high returns and employment opportunities. With favorable climate, improved practices, and strong policy support, the crop remains a vital part of UP’s agrarian landscape. By adopting sustainable farming methods and leveraging technology, farmers can enhance yields and income while ensuring environmental conservation.