Saharanpur: In a positive development for sugarcane farmers, the agriculture department, and sugar mills, mills in the district have purchased 70.17 lakh quintals more sugarcane this season compared to the last, despite a reduction in cultivated area. As a result, farmers in the district are expected to earn an additional ₹253.44 crore, reports Amar Ujala.
The increase in procurement is being attributed to the shift in sugarcane varieties and the success of awareness campaigns conducted by the Sugarcane Department. Previously, the Co-0238 variety had gained popularity among farmers due to its high yield. However, its vulnerability to red rot disease had adversely affected productivity, leading to lower yields despite higher input costs.
Recognizing the issue, the department launched a campaign encouraging farmers to switch to other improved and disease-resistant varieties. This initiative led to a 4 quintal per hectare increase in average yield. While the total sugarcane cultivation area in the district declined by 1,676 hectares compared to the previous season, the overall procurement by sugar mills rose significantly.
Comparative Sugarcane Statistics in the District:
Season Area Under Cultivation Sugarcane Procured by Mills Sugar Production
2023–24 128,576 hectares 444.55 lakh quintals 44.30 lakh quintals
2024–25 126,900 hectares 514.72 lakh quintals 50.54 lakh quintals
Source: Sugarcane Department
Sushil Kumar, District Cane Officer , said, “Due to variety changes and excellent crop management by farmers, sugar mills in the district received 70.17 lakh quintals more sugarcane than the previous season. Consequently, farmers will earn an additional ₹253.44 crore this year”.
