Sugarcane is not just a commercial crop in Uttar Pradesh it is a lifeline for rural communities. As of 2025, the state accounts for over 40% of India’s total sugarcane production, making it the top contributor to the nation’s sugar industry. The crop is cultivated by over 45 lakh farmers, spread across 2.8 million hectares of land.
Sugarcane supports a broad agro-industrial complex that includes sugar mills, ethanol production units, jaggery (gur) processing units, and molasses industries. It plays a crucial role in rural employment, local trade, and the state’s GDP. In fact, the sugar industry is the second-largest agro-based industry in India, after textiles.
Geographical Distribution
Sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh is primarily concentrated in the western and central parts of the state. Districts such as Meerut, Bijnor, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Bareilly, Lakhimpur Kheri, Hardoi, and Sitapur are known for large-scale cultivation. These areas offer favorable agro-climatic conditions rich alluvial soil, sufficient irrigation, and a temperature range ideal for cane growth.
Varieties of Sugarcane Grown
Farmers in Uttar Pradesh cultivate several varieties of sugarcane, primarily categorized into early, mid-late, and late-maturing types. Some commonly grown varieties include:
- Co-0238 (Kanchan): High-yielding, early-maturing, and resistant to red rot.
- CoJ-64: Suitable for early harvest, good sugar recovery.
- Co-0118 and Co-98014: Mid-late maturing types with high sucrose content.
- BO 91 and CoS 767: Traditionally grown varieties in central UP.
The government and research institutions like the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (IISR) in Lucknow actively promote improved, disease-resistant varieties to increase productivity.
Farming Practices
Sugarcane cultivation in Uttar Pradesh generally follows the ratoon system, where the same plant is harvested multiple times over several cycles. Here’s a snapshot of the common farming practices:
1. Land Preparation:
Fields are ploughed deeply and thoroughly, often using tractors or traditional ploughs, followed by leveling for uniform irrigation.
2. Sowing:
Sowing usually occurs in February-March (spring season) or October-November (autumn season). Farmers use seed sets (known as “sets” or “cuttings”) from mature cane stalks.
3. Fertilization:
Balanced use of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) is essential. Organic manure, compost, and green manuring are also practiced to enhance soil fertility.
4. Irrigation:
Sugarcane is a water-intensive crop. Traditional canal irrigation and tube wells are used extensively. However, micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems are slowly gaining popularity.
5. Weed & Pest Management:
Frequent weeding and protection from pests like the early shoot borer, top borer, and pyrilla are essential. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies are being adopted to minimize chemical usage.
6. Harvesting:
Cane is harvested manually using sickles or, in some advanced areas, with mechanized harvesters. Harvest usually begins in November and continues till April.
Sugar Mills and Procurement
Uttar Pradesh houses over 120 operational sugar mills, which procure cane directly from farmers. These mills are either government-run cooperatives or privately owned. The State Advised Price (SAP) system ensures farmers get a fixed minimum price per quintal of cane, which is generally higher than the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) set by the central government.
In recent years, digital platforms and mobile apps have been introduced by the state government to streamline the process of cane registration, payment tracking, and delivery scheduling.
Challenges in Sugarcane Farming
Despite its many advantages, sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh faces several significant challenges:
1. Water Scarcity:
Excessive dependence on groundwater and the crop’s water-intensive nature are leading to water table depletion in several areas.
2. Delayed Payments:
One of the biggest issues is delayed payment by sugar mills, which often face cash flow problems due to market fluctuations and excess stock.
3. Low Mechanization:
Labor-intensive farming methods increase the cost of production. Mechanization is limited due to small landholdings and lack of awareness.
4. Pest and Disease Management:
Red rot and top shoot borer continue to be major threats. Lack of timely intervention reduces yields.
5. Climate Change:
Unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures are beginning to affect cane yield and sucrose content.
Government Support and Initiatives
To address these issues, the Uttar Pradesh government, along with the central government, has initiated several measures:
- Subsidies for drip irrigation systems and solar pumps.
- Digital portals for real-time cane supply and payment status.
- Promotion of ethanol production through the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP), providing sugar mills with an alternative revenue stream.
- Soil health cards and training programs for sustainable practices.
- Incentives for early-maturing, high-yield varieties.
Sustainability and Future Prospects
Given the growing concerns of environmental sustainability and economic viability, sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh is evolving. The state is now promoting ethanol production, which not only diversifies sugarcane use but also supports India’s green energy goals. Bio-composting, intercropping, and organic farming are also gaining traction among progressive farmers.
The Digital India movement and rural internet penetration are empowering farmers with access to market prices, weather forecasts, and agronomic advice through smartphones and apps.
If current reforms and innovations continue, sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh is poised to become more resilient, profitable, and sustainable, benefiting both farmers and the economy.
Conclusion
Sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh is more than just an agricultural activity—it is the heartbeat of rural prosperity and industrial growth. While challenges remain, ongoing government support, scientific innovation, and the determination of farmers offer a promising future. With a balance between tradition and modernity, sugarcane cultivation in Uttar Pradesh will continue to be a pillar of India’s agricultural strength for years to come.