Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, made a record payment of Rs 1.71 lakh crore to sugarcane farmers. Sugarcane is the state's most important cash crop, according to a government press release issued recently.
Sugarcane cultivation employs approximately 65 lakh people in the state. According to the release, the Yogi-led government has always prioritized the payment of cane prices to state farmers.
From 2017 to April 2022, over 45.74 lakh sugarcane farmers in UP received a record cane price payment of more than Rs 1,70,938.95 crore, indicating the government's pro-farmer stance, according to the release. According to the statement, the payment is more than three times that of the previous governments.
Sugar mills that had been closed by previous governments were reopened by the Yogi Adityanath government, and the state now ranks first in the country in sugar production.
Importance of Sugar Industry
Sugar industry development is critical to the nation's economic development. Sugar is India's second-largest agro-based industry, and it contributes significantly to the nation's socio-economic development. Sugarcane is the primary raw material used in the production of sugar in India.
India is the world's largest producer of sugarcane and, after Cuba, the world's second-largest producer of sugar. However, when gur and khandsari are included, India overtakes China as the leading producer.
Potential of UP Sugar Industry
As one of the potential players in the global sugar market, the Uttar Pradesh sugar industry has a bright future. Sugar demand is increasing at an alarming rate around the world. With its capacity, the Uttar Pradesh sugar industry can meet this international demand.
The advantages of the Uttar Pradesh sugar industry are that the production costs are relatively low, and the climatic and soil conditions are favourable for sugarcane production. The region of India where the state of Uttar Pradesh is located is known as the 'doab,' and it is one of the most fertile lands in India. This is a very fertile land belt between the rivers Ganges and Jamuna.
To boost the production of the Uttar Pradesh sugar industry, the state government is establishing research and development units that will develop better quality sugarcane plants with higher yields and disease-resistant crops to ensure the industry's long-term growth. One of the key advantages of Uttar Pradesh's geographical location is that it is very easy to access.
With all of these developments, the Uttar Pradesh sugar industry will be able to meet the increasing domestic demand in India, which is due to improved economic conditions and an increase in the general income level.
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