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Agriculture

Sugarcane Farmers Abandon Crop as Sanjivani Factory Closure Takes Toll

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The state's agricultural landscape has undergone a significant transformation following the closure of the Sanjivani sugar factory at Dharbandora. As a result, nearly 60% of sugarcane farmers have abandoned the crop, with 43% of cultivators shifting away from sugarcane farming in 2024-25 alone. The factory's closure in 2019-20 left farmers without a primary buyer, forcing them to seek alternative crops, such as vegetables, which offer quicker returns and a ready market.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nearly 60% of sugarcane farmers have abandoned the crop over the last four years, with 43% shifting away from sugarcane farming in 2024-25 alone.
  • The number of sugarcane farmers has plummeted from 676 in 2020-21 to 497 in 2024-25, a decline of 179 farmers.
  • The percentage shift from sugarcane cultivation has been accelerating, from 4.29% in 2020-21 to 13.34% in 2022-23, and then climbing steeply to 42.65% in the current year.
  • Farmers transitioning away from sugarcane have opted for diverse vegetable crops, including brinjal, okra, cluster beans, green chillies, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, cucumber, ginger, ridge gourd, and ash gourd.
  • These crops offer the advantage of quicker returns and a ready market, unlike sugarcane which requires long-term commitment and guaranteed processing facilities.
  • Currently, only 298 farmers undertake sugarcane cultivation, representing just over 43% of the original farming community that once depended on this cash crop.

Statistics:

  • 60% of sugarcane farmers have abandoned the crop over the last four years.
  • 43% of cultivators shifted away from sugarcane farming in 2024-25 alone.
  • The number of sugarcane farmers declined from 676 in 2020-21 to 497 in 2024-25.
  • 43% of the original farming community that once depended on sugarcane cultivation now grows other crops.
  • Rs 44 crore has been disbursed as special assistance to affected farmers from 2020-21 to 2024-25.
  • Average annual assistance per farmer has ranged from Rs 3,000 per tonne to Rs 2,200 per tonne.

Sources:

  • Times of India
  • Government of India, Department of Agriculture

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