Day 40 – Q. 4. Sugar industries have been shifting from northern India to the southern peninsula. Analyze the geographical, climatic, and economic reasons behind this shift. (250 words, 15 marks)

Q. 4. Sugar industries have been shifting from northern India to the southern peninsula. Analyze the geographical, climatic, and economic reasons behind this shift. (250 words, 15 marks)

Introduction 

India is the second-largest producer of sugar globally. Over the past few decades, there has  been a notable shift of sugar industries from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to Maharashtra,  Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu due to multiple advantages. 

Body 

Geographical Reasons 

1. Soil Suitability: Southern states have well-drained black and red soils ideal for sugarcane. Example: Maharashtra and Karnataka have fertile basaltic soils from Deccan Trap. 
2. Topography and Irrigation: Southern regions have better-controlled irrigation systems  like canals and dams. Example: Krishna and Godavari basin irrigation supports consistent sugarcane yield.
3. Proximity to Raw Material Sources: Availability of sugarcane near processing units  reduces transportation cost and post-harvest losses. Example: In Maharashtra, cane is grown in catchment areas around the mills.

Climatic Reasons 

1. Longer Crushing Season: Southern India has a longer and more consistent crushing  season (8–10 months) due to less climatic variation. In contrast, the north faces a short season (4–6 months) due to harsh winters. 
2. Less Climatic Vulnerability: The south experiences moderate temperatures and fewer  extreme weather disruptions compared to northern India’s floods or droughts. 
3. Even Rainfall Distribution: Southern India receives more evenly distributed monsoonal  rainfall, reducing water stress on crops. Example: Karnataka benefits from both southwest and northeast monsoon systems.

Economic Reasons 

1. Higher Yield and Recovery Rate: Southern states report higher sugarcane yields per  hectare and better sugar recovery. Example: Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have recovery rates over 10%, compared to less  than 9% in Uttar Pradesh. 
2. Efficient Mills and Private Investment: Newer mills, cooperative structures, and more  private-sector involvement have modernized operations in the south. 
3. Proximity to Ports and Market: Southern location enables easier export and lower  logistics costs for coastal trade. 
4. Supportive State Policies: Southern states often provide better pricing mechanisms,  subsidies, and power incentives for cooperative mills. Example: Karnataka’s ethanol blending and power cogeneration schemes attract  investment.

Conclusion

The shift to the south is driven by agro-climatic and economic advantages. To promote  regional equity and sustainability, initiatives like the Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI) can modernize farming and improve productivity in lagging northern regions.