Decline in cane farming, factory closures, high costs force ryots to seek alternatives

Vijayawada: The sugarcane cultivation area in the combined Krishna district has seen a sharp decline over the years, primarily due to the closure of sugar factories and govt inaction on advisory pricing. Farmers have been struggling with high production costs and inadequate support, forcing many to shift away from sugarcane cultivation.

According to official data, the sugarcane cultivation area steadily reduced from 17,000 hectares in 2018-19 to just 3,200 hectares in 2024-25. This decline was attributed to the closure of the Challapalli Lakshmipuram sugar factory in 2020 and the Hanuman Junction factory in 2014. The Vuyyuru Sugar Factory, which remains operational, is also facing difficulties due to lower production levels.

Farmers are burdened with high investments of around ₹1.30 lakh per acre for sugarcane cultivation. With tenant farmers comprising nearly 75% of cultivators in Krishna district, securing financial aid for crop investment has become a major challenge. Additionally, landowners demand between 12 to 17 tonnes of harvested crop as rent, further discouraging tenant farmers from taking up sugarcane farming.

During the 2024-25 crushing season, the Vuyyuru Sugar Factory processed only 2.64 lakh tonnes of sugarcane from 7,700 acres, compared to 4.32 lakh tonnes from 8,700 acres in 2023-24. Heavy rains and flooding resulted in a four-tonne per acre drop in yields, worsening the crisis.

The factory, which requires 8.10 lakh tonnes of sugarcane for full operation, has been working at half capacity for two years. Farmers demand better pricing, subsidies, and incentives to sustain sugarcane cultivation and ensure factory operations remain viable. “We have been cultivating sugarcane for almost 3 decades. We have never faced such a crisis situation. Govt should come forward and extend a helping hand,” said Y Rajagopal, a farmer from Kankipadu.

GFX:

Declining Cultivation: Sugarcane farming dropped from 17,000 hectares (2018-19) to 3,200 hectares (2024-25).

Factory Closures: Challapalli and Hanuman Junction sugar factories shut down, impacting farmers.

Tenant Farmer Struggles: High investment costs (₹1.30 lakh per acre) and land rent make cultivation unviable.

Reduced Production: Vuyyuru Sugar Factory crushed only 2.64 lakh tonnes this season, compared to 4.32 lakh tonnes last year.

Farmers searching for an affordable alternative crop for sugarcane. MSID:: 119431173 413 |