Hapur, Uttar Pradesh: Sugarcane production in Hapur has been adversely affected by a disease, leading to a decline in yield in the cane crop, reported Amar Ujala.
The CO-0238 variety of sugarcane has been hit the hardest, with a impact on recovery rates. The already shrinking area under sugarcane cultivation is further exacerbating the problem for farmers and sugar mills.
Delayed payments from sugar mills have been a major reason for the decline in sugarcane areas over the past few years. In the last three years, the area under sugarcane cultivation has decreased by more than 4500 hectares.
The disease has been affecting sugarcane crops for the past two years, severely impacting production. Earlier, the region produced over 60 quintals of sugarcane per bigha, but this has now reduced by 20 per cent.
The CO-0238 variety, which is the most widely cultivated variety in the district, has been the most affected by the disease. This variety had previously played a key role in the success of farmers.
The Sugarcane Department and sugar mills are now trying to promote alternative varieties to farmers. However, this will take some time. Currently, the wheat sowing season is also in its final stages, and farmers are busy clearing their fields.
