Sugar has been produced in India since ancient times and then it spread to other parts of the world. Sugarcane is a native of tropical Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.[1] In India, sugarcane is planted thrice a year in October, March and July depending on part of the country.[2] Most of the sugar production in India takes at local Cooperative Sugar mills.[3] [4] After gaining Independence, India made serious plans for overall industrial development of sugar industry.[5]
Sugar industry is a big business in India. Around 525 mills produced more than 30 million tonnes of sugar in the last crushing season,[6] which lasted from October to April. This makes it the world's largest producer, unseating Brazil. Some 50 million farmers and millions of more workers, are involved in sugarcane farming.[7] India is the world's largest consumer of sugar.[8] [9] According to data from the Indian Sugar Mills Association, the country's sugar mill produce 268.21lakh tonnes of sugar between October 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020.[10]
On May 24, 2022, the Indian government announced that India will restrict the export of sugar from June 1, 2022. This restriction has been ordered to maintain domestic availability and ensure price stability.[11]
Sugar cane is very important input for making sugar. When production of sugar cane increases, sugar production also increases. Sugar cane's production increased from 110 million tonnes in year 1961 to 405 million tonnes in year 2019. Sugar cane are grown in 2413 thousand hectare in 1961 year to 5061 thousand hectare in year 2019. Production quality for sugar cane is also increased. Production quantity improved from 45 tonnes/hectare to 80 tonnes/hectare.
| Year | Hectare (thousand) [12] | Production tonnes/hectare | Production (million tonnes) | |
| 1961 | 2,413 | 45 | 110 | |
| 1971 | 2,615 | 48 | 126 | |
| 1981 | 2,666 | 58 | 154 | |
| 1991 | 3,686 | 65 | 241 | |
| 2001 | 4,315 | 68 | 296 | |
| 2011 | 4,944 | 69 | 342 | |
| 2019 | 5,061 | 80 | 405 |
Traditionally, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra produce the majority of sugar cane in India. This can be attributed to rich soil surrounding major rivers present in both states. However, in 2019 Maharashtra was hit with floods thus affecting total production.
| State | Production(1000 tonnes) | Share(Percentage) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 177,060.00 | 46.75 | ||
| 83,130.00 | 22.06 | ||
| 28,260.00 | 7.50 | ||
| 16,540.00 | 4.39 | ||
| 13,980.00 | 3.71 | ||
| 12,050.00 | 3.20 | ||
| 9,630.00 | 2.56 | ||
| 8,020.00 | 2.13 | ||
| 7,950.00 | 2.11 | ||
| 6,300.00 | 1.67 | ||
| 5,430.00 | 1.44 | ||
| 2,560.00 | 0.68 | ||
| Others | 5,980.00 | 1.59 |
The processing of sugarcane generates bagasse, molasses and press mud. Indian sugar industry has been using these by-products to generate bioethanol, electricity and many other products over the years.[14]