Sugarcane availability depends on:
- Area under sugarcane cultivation: The area under
cultivation of sugarcane in the proximity of the mill determines the
amount of sugarcane that can be made available. Crop switching from
sugarcane to other crops effectively lowers the area under
cultivation of sugarcane.
- Climate and irrigation facilities: Sugarcane is a
tropical crop which requires adequate water and sunshine. In
addition, monsoons can affect the crop yield and quality of the
crop. The state of UP is supplied water from the Ganga, which along
with its tributaries and associated canal system accounts for 34% of
the total river water available in the country (Source: Ministry of
Water). This available perennial water reduces the state's reliance
on seasonal monsoons.
- Crop diseases and pests: Crop diseases affect both the
quantity and quality of sugarcane. Harvests have been impacted
severely by insects and pests (Eg. Wholly Aphid). Several sugar
factories are currently investing in research and development in the
field of Entomology to control such pest outbreaks.
- Sugarcane yield: This is the total sugarcane output per
hectare of land. It depends upon several factors like climate, soil,
variety of sugarcane, and development measures undertaken by
sugarcane farmers, agencies, co-operatives, government, and sugar
manufacturers. Agricultural engineering and extension services,
usually undertaken by individual sugar mills, have played an
important role in increasing sugarcane yields
- Diversion of sugarcane to other products: The sugarcane
producers may not supply the sugarcane to a sugar manufacturer and
divert the production to other products like gur, and khandsari
which are forms of crude sugar.
