UP cane survey shows acreage shrinkage by 25%

According to preliminary estimate, the acreage for the 2008-09 crushing season is likely to shrink by over 25 per cent. The state posted record cane production of over 160 million tonnes cultivated in about 2.5 million hectares in 2007-08.

"The primary data collection and release of exact figures of the cane area would be complete by July 15. However, we expect the acreage to reduce by over 25 per cent," a senior cane department official told Business Standard.

"The decrease in cane acreage would also result in drastic reduction in sugar production in the state next year," industry sources said.

Following the delay and dispute over cane payment, the farmers in UP have stopped growing sugarcane and are opting for food grain. The food grain prices are more remunerative and the farmers want to rotate 2-3 crops every year to get more and faster returns.

The sugar production had already dipped to 7.3 million tonnes as compared to 8.5 million tonnes last year. With the decrease in the area under cane cultivation for the 2008-09 crushing season, the sugar production is also to dip substantially.

Meanwhile, the cane department also, in some areas, faced opposition from the cane farmers over the non-payment of cane dues since last year and multiple litigations are on in the Supreme Court and the Allahabad High Court.

"The primary survey does not fix the area for reservation. The farmers will get a chance to voice their concerns during hearing preceding the reservation order," Additional Cane Commissioner N P Singh said.

The cane farmers are compelled to supply their produce to a sugar factory to which they are tied under the order of UP Cane Commissioner