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Sugarcane has emerged as the only major crop to buck the trend of lower kharif sowing this season, with farmers expanding cultivation despite a weak monsoon and growing concerns over pressure on water resources.
Data released by the Agriculture Ministry on Monday showed the area under sugarcane increased to 5.75 million hectares as of July 10, compared with 5.67 million hectares during the same period last year. The acreage also exceeded the five-year average of 5.42 million hectares, even as overall kharif sowing across the country declined by 16%.
The higher planting comes amid strong demand for sugarcane for ethanol production and despite an ongoing debate over the use of E20 petrol in vehicles. The acreage trend suggests farmers continue to favour sugarcane, reflecting confidence in the government’s ethanol blending programme and the assured market it provides.
The increase in sugarcane acreage also supports the view that the government’s ethanol programme is not only helping reduce India’s dependence on imported fuel but is also providing farmers with stronger market opportunities for the crop.
More details: https://www.chinimandi.com/sugarcane-acreage-rises-despite-weak-monsoon-as-farmers-back-ethanol-linked-crop/