Sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh plays a crucial role in the state’s agricultural and rural economy. As the largest sugarcane-producing state in India, Uttar Pradesh contributes significantly to the country’s total sugar production, ethanol supply, and rural employment. Millions of farmers in the state depend on sugarcane cultivation as a primary source of income, making it one of the most vital crops in the region.
Importance of Sugarcane Farming in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh has long been recognized as the heartland of sugarcane cultivation in India. Favorable agro-climatic conditions, fertile soil, and a strong network of sugar mills have helped build a thriving sugarcane economy in the state. With over 2.5 million hectares under sugarcane cultivation, UP accounts for more than 45% of India’s total sugarcane area and output.
Sugarcane farming supports over 50 lakh farmers directly and generates employment for lakhs of rural workers. In addition to sugar, the crop contributes to the production of jaggery (gur), khandsari, molasses, ethanol, and bagasse-based power.
Ideal Conditions for Sugarcane Cultivation in Uttar Pradesh
The success of sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh can be attributed to the state’s natural resources and climate:
- Soil: Alluvial loamy soils rich in organic matter.
- Temperature: 20°C to 35°C is ideal for growth and sugar accumulation.
- Rainfall: 1000–1200 mm annually, supplemented by irrigation.
- Irrigation: Canal systems, tube wells, and river-fed sources support year-round irrigation.
Major Sugarcane Growing Districts
Sugarcane is cultivated across the state, but production is particularly high in:
- Western UP: Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Saharanpur, Shamli, Meerut, and Baghpat
- Central & Eastern UP: Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Gonda, Bahraich, Kushinagar, and Gorakhpur
Western UP is known for better productivity due to access to modern technology, improved irrigation, and more efficient sugar mills.
High-Yielding Varieties Promoted in Uttar Pradesh
The state encourages the adoption of improved sugarcane varieties to enhance yield and resistance to pests and diseases. Some popular varieties include:
- Co 0238: Early maturing, high yield, and high sucrose content
- CoLk 94184: Good ratooning ability
- Co 98014: Suitable for delayed planting
- BO 130: Grown in Eastern UP with good resistance to red rot
These varieties have helped increase the average cane yield per hectare and reduce crop losses.
Sugarcane Cultivation Practices
- Planting Season:
- Autumn planting (October–November): Preferred for early maturing varieties.
- Spring planting (February–March): Common in Eastern regions.
- Seed Rate and Spacing:
- 35,000 to 40,000 two-budded sets per hectare.
- Row spacing: 90 to 120 cm, depending on variety and intercropping.
- Fertilizer and Nutrient Management:
- Recommended dose: Nitrogen (150–250 kg/ha), Phosphorus (60–80 kg/ha), Potash (40–60 kg/ha).
- Use of bio-fertilizers, compost, and green manure is growing under organic initiatives.
- Weed and Pest Management:
- Frequent interculture and herbicides to control weeds.
- Pest threats: Early shoot borer, top borer, white grub.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and resistant varieties help reduce chemical use.
- Harvesting:
- Generally done 10–12 months after planting.
- Manual harvesting is common, though mechanization is being slowly introduced.
Sugar Industry and Ethanol Production in Uttar Pradesh
Sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh fuels one of the largest sugar industries in Asia. The state has:
- Over 120 operational sugar mills
- A major share in India’s ethanol production capacity
- A growing number of ethanol distilleries supporting the government’s Ethanol Blending Program (EBP)
The government is promoting ethanol production from B-heavy molasses and direct sugarcane juice, offering mills better returns and ensuring timely payment to farmers.
Government Support for Sugarcane Farmers
The Uttar Pradesh government and central agencies provide various incentives and support schemes:
- State Advised Price (SAP) for sugarcane procurement, which is higher than the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP)
- Timely cane payment monitoring through digital platforms like E-Ganna App
- Subsidies for drip irrigation, farm machinery, and fertilizers
- Promotion of intercropping and sustainable farming techniques
Challenges in Sugarcane Farming
Despite its many advantages, sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh faces several challenges:
- Water-intensive nature leading to groundwater depletion
- Delayed payments from sugar mills
- Monocropping and declining soil fertility
- Climate risks, such as droughts or unseasonal rains
- Labour shortages during peak harvesting
The Road Ahead: Sustainable Sugarcane Farming
For sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh to remain viable and sustainable, the following measures are essential:
- Wider adoption of drip irrigation to save water
- Crop diversification to reduce risk and improve soil health
- Mechanization in planting and harvesting
- Training and awareness programs for farmers
- Efficient supply chains and value addition at the farm level
Conclusion
Sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh is more than just a crop it is a way of life for millions of farming families and a foundation of the state’s rural economy. With the right mix of policy support, modern technology, and sustainable practices, sugarcane cultivation in UP can continue to prosper, contributing to both farmer welfare and national growth.