Sugarcane crisis: Krishna dist farmers fight declining yield, rising costs

Vijayawada: Sugarcane cultivation in Krishna district has significantly declined over the years, with farmers facing rising production costs and lack of govt support.

The cultivated area dropped from 17,000 hectares in 2018-19 to just 3,200 hectares in 2024-25. This decrease coincided with the closure of major sugar factories, including the Challapalli Lakshmipuram factory in 2020 and the Hanuman Junction factory in 2014.

The Vuyyuru Sugar Factory, which requires 8.10 lakh tonnes of sugarcane for full operation, has been running at half capacity for two years due to reduced yields and inadequate supply. Heavy rains and flooding during the 2024-25 season caused a four-tonne per acre drop in sugarcane yields. Farmers investing ₹1.30 lakh per acre for cultivation—75% of whom are tenants—struggle with financial burdens, high rent demands from landowners, and limited access to financial aid.

Tenant farmers and stakeholders are urging the govt to improve advisory pricing, provide subsidies, and offer incentives to ensure the survival of sugarcane farming and factory operations. "We’ve cultivated sugarcane for nearly three decades, but this is the worst crisis we’ve faced. The govt must step in to help," 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 |