Haveri, Karnataka: Haveri district, renowned for its sugarcane farming supported by ample water from two major rivers, is grappling with a decrease in sugarcane production this year due to drought conditions, reported The Times of India.
The substantial decline in yield has placed sugar factories in a challenging position, facing a shortage of sugarcane for processing.
According to reports, the sugarcane cultivation area in the district has shrunk compared to previous years. The drought has notably impacted the sugarcane yield this year.
“The yield has been reduced, and these factors will inevitably lead to a scarcity of sugarcane in the factories. GM Sugars in Sanguru, a major sugar producer in the district, crushed 5,26,831 tonnes of cane last year. However, the management is not optimistic about reaching that figure this year,” shared an official from the agriculture department.
Furthermore, the sugarcane cultivation area has shrunk by 1,200 hectares this year compared to the previous year in Haveri. Drought has severely impacted the cane yield, prompting us to urge farmers not to supply cane to other factories in neighbouring districts,” shared a field officer from GM Sugars. “Not only has the sugarcane cultivation area reduced, but the yield has also been significantly affected due to water scarcity. We have not received adequate rainfall. This year has been one of the most challenging in my life,” shared Siddalingappa Kalkoti, a sugarcane grower from Koradur village in Haveri taluk.
Haveri district houses three major cane-crushing factories: GM Sugars in Sangur, KLPD Ethanol in Rattihalli, and VIPN Distilleries in Konanakunte of Shiggaon taluk. However, the sugarcane cultivation area has not expanded due to the drought in Haveri district. Factories in the neighbouring districts of Ballari, Gadag, and Davanagere are also vying for sugarcane. These factories require sugarcane for crushing, leading to increased demand, and farmers are experiencing high demand.
