Sugarcane production declines in Muzaffarnagar despite increased area
Despite an expansion in sugarcane cultivation area in Muzaffarnagar, the district witnessed a concerning decline in yield, marking the lowest in seven years. Excessive rainfall and flooding were detrimental, leading to a drastic reduction in sugarcane supply to mills, down by 115 lakh quintals compared to the prior season. Consequently, sugar production hit a decade low, even with the cessation of ethanol production as per government directives. The crushing season concluded in April, with only Khatauli mill operational until May 5th.
Meerut: Despite an increase in the area of sugarcane cultivation in Muzaffarnagar district, the yield has decreased, reported Amar Ujala.
This year saw the lowest sugarcane yield in the last seven years. Similarly, sugar production in mills has also been the lowest in the last ten years. Excessive rainfall and flooding directly impacted sugarcane production.
In the district’s sugar mills, sugarcane supply in this season decreased by 115 lakh quintals compared to the previous crushing season. In the 2022-23 season, farmers supplied 1035 lakh quintals of sugarcane to all eight sugar mills in the district. Even after the production of ethanol was stopped in sugar mills following the directions of the central government this time, sugar production reached only 100 lakh quintals.
District Cane Officer Sanjay Sisodia said that sugarcane production has been affected due to excessive rainfall and flooding in the district. Despite an increase in the area, production has been lower than in previous years. Decreased sugarcane supply has led to reduced sugar production in mills.
End of the crushing season in April:
After a long time, the crushing season in the district’s sugar mills ended in April. Six out of eight sugar mills in the district have closed. Titawi mill will also close on the night of May 1st. Only the Khatauli sugar mill will operate until May 5th.
Source Link : https://www.chinimandi.com/sugarcane-production-declines-in-muzaffarnagar-despite-increased-area/
