Sugarcane Farming in Uttar Pradesh: A Backbone of the Rural Economy

Sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh plays a vital role in the state’s agricultural landscape and the broader Indian sugar industry. As the largest sugarcane-producing state in India, Uttar Pradesh contributes significantly to both the national economy and the livelihood of millions of farmers. With fertile plains, favorable climatic conditions, and a robust irrigation network, the state offers ideal conditions for sugarcane cultivation.

In this article, we will explore the importance of sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh, the major regions involved, agricultural practices, government support, challenges, and future prospects.

Importance of Sugarcane Farming in Uttar Pradesh

Sugarcane is a cash crop that provides multiple by-products, including sugar, jaggery (gur), ethanol, and molasses. Sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh is not only crucial for sugar mills but also supports rural employment, animal husbandry (through bagasse and fodder), and the biofuel industry.

• Economic Contribution: Sugarcane contributes over 20% to the state’s agricultural GDP.

• Employment: Nearly 45 lakh farmers are directly involved, while countless others find work in related industries.

• Industrial Support: The state has over 100 sugar mills that rely heavily on sugarcane production.

Major Sugarcane Growing Regions in Uttar Pradesh

Sugarcane cultivation is widespread across the western and central plains of the state. Key sugarcane-producing districts include:

• Meerut

• Muzaffarnagar

• Bijnor

• Saharanpur

• Shamli

• Hardoi

• Lakhimpur Kheri

• Sitapur

These regions benefit from rich alluvial soil, consistent irrigation, and a well-established supply chain.

Ideal Conditions for Sugarcane Cultivation

The success of sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh is largely due to the state's agro-climatic conditions:

• Soil: Loamy to clay loam soil with good drainage.

• Temperature: Ideal range of 20°C to 35°C.

• Rainfall: Annual rainfall of 1000 to 1500 mm is favorable.

• Irrigation: Well-developed canal systems and tube wells ensure year-round water supply.

Farmers in Uttar Pradesh often follow a crop cycle of 10 to 18 months, depending on the sugarcane variety and climatic factors.

Popular Sugarcane Varieties in Uttar Pradesh

Farmers cultivate a mix of early, mid-late, and late-maturing varieties to ensure a steady supply to mills:

• Co 0238: High yielding and early maturing, widely adopted in Western UP.

• CoS 767 and CoSe 96436: Known for higher sugar recovery rates.

• BO 91 and Co Pant 84211: Suitable for central and eastern regions.

These varieties have been promoted by agricultural research institutions and the Sugarcane Research Institute at Shahjahanpur.

Sugarcane Cultivation Practices

1. Land Preparation

Farmers plow the land 2–3 times to a fine tilth, followed by leveling. Green manure and compost are often added to enhance soil fertility.

2. Planting Methods

• Trench Method: Popular in UP for conserving moisture.

• Ridge and Furrow Method: Used in water-logged areas.
  Planting is typically done in February–March for spring crop and October–November for autumn crop.

3. Fertilization

Application of organic manure, along with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the right proportions, ensures healthy crop growth. Farmers are also adopting bio-fertilizers and micronutrients for sustainability.

4. Irrigation

Sugarcane requires 20–25 irrigations per crop cycle. Drip irrigation and furrow irrigation are becoming popular due to water efficiency.

5. Pest and Disease Management

Pests like early shoot borer and diseases like red rot are managed through resistant varieties, crop rotation, and use of biological controls.

Government Schemes and Support

To boost sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh, the state and central governments offer several incentives:

• Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP): Ensures minimum guaranteed price for farmers.

• State Advisory Price (SAP): UP government offers higher procurement price than FRP.

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Fertilizer subsidies and other incentives are directly credited to farmers.

• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Offer training, soil testing, and advisory services.

• E-Ganna App: Launched by the UP government to give farmers transparency in cane supply and payments.

Challenges in Sugarcane Farming

Despite its prominence, sugarcane farmers in UP face several issues:

• Delayed Payments: Sugar mills often delay payments, leading to cash flow problems.

• High Input Costs: Rising prices of fertilizer, diesel, and labor reduce profit margins.

• Water Use: Sugarcane is a water-intensive crop, and over-irrigation has led to groundwater depletion.

• Climate Change: Irregular weather patterns affect yield and sugar recovery rates.

• Pest Outbreaks: Require constant monitoring and integrated pest management (IPM).

Sustainable Future for Sugarcane Farming

To ensure the long-term viability of sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh, a shift toward sustainable and climate-smart agriculture is essential:

• Drip Irrigation: Reduces water usage by 40–50%.

• Bio-fertilizers and Vermicompost: Improve soil health and reduce chemical dependence.

• Intercropping: Growing pulses or vegetables between cane rows for additional income.

• Mechanization: Use of harvesters and planters to reduce labor dependency.

The government, research bodies, and agri-tech startups are working together to digitize farming, improve access to credit, and enhance productivity.

Conclusion

Sugarcane farming in Uttar Pradesh remains a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural and rural economy. With the right mix of technology, policy support, and farmer awareness, the sector has the potential to become more sustainable, profitable, and globally competitive. As the demand for biofuels and eco-friendly products increases, sugarcane will continue to be a high-value crop offering diverse income opportunities to farmers across Uttar Pradesh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which is the best time to plant sugarcane in Uttar Pradesh?
A: The spring season (February–March) and autumn season (October–November) are ideal for planting.

Q2. What are the best sugarcane varieties for UP farmers?
A: Co 0238, CoS 767, and CoSe 96436 are among the most preferred varieties.

Q3. How can farmers check their cane dues in UP?
A: Farmers can use the official E-Ganna app provided by the UP government to track supply slips and payments.