Una: Once known nationwide for its sugarcane cultivation, Una district has seen a sharp decline in this crop in recent years. Fields that previously took about a year to yield sugarcane are now being used to grow crops like wheat, maize, and potatoes, which mature in just two to six months. Experts also attribute this decline to the rapid development of irrigation facilities in the region, reports Amar Ujala.
At its peak, sugarcane was cultivated on nearly 1,000 hectares in Una, but now the area has dwindled to around 130–140 hectares. Farmers say that the process of growing sugarcane and converting it into sugar is highly complex and time-consuming, making shorter-duration crops a more profitable option. In addition, growing fresh vegetables has also emerged as a preferred alternative.
Historically, the Bīt area of Haroli in Una was a hub for sugarcane cultivation. The district’s sugarcane was famous for its distinct sweet taste, giving Una a unique identity in the country. The sugar and jaggery produced here were supplied nationwide. However, with the improvement in irrigation facilities, farmers gradually moved away from sugarcane.
Local farmers, including Lakshman Das, Mukhtyar Chand, Amrik Singh, Virendra Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, and Sushil Saini, explained that crops like potatoes, wheat, and maize take just two to six months to mature, while sugarcane requires nearly a year. Moreover, selling sugarcane often requires transporting it to sugar mills in Punjab, and processing it into sugar is a complicated procedure. Income from sugarcane is also less predictable compared with faster-growing crops and vegetables.
In the past, the Bīt region lacked proper irrigation, forcing farmers to grow sugarcane. Now, with better irrigation, farmers are cultivating vegetables, potatoes, and wheat instead. Currently, sugarcane is grown on roughly 135 hectares, primarily for personal use.
Kulbhushan Dhiman, Deputy Director of the Agriculture Department, noted that improved irrigation has led farmers to focus more on short-duration crops, allowing them to earn multiple incomes throughout the year. He added that sugarcane remains a valuable source of income, and farmers seeking guidance on cultivating the crop can contact the Agriculture Department for more information.
