Kalaburagi: Sugarcane cultivation in Kalaburagi district has increased from 36,000 hectares last year to nearly 39,000-40,000 hectares this season, as farmers prioritised the commercial crop amid the rise in the number of sugar factories and expectations of higher returns. However, as July comes to a close without the expected monsoon rainfall, farmers fear that sugarcane cultivation may turn bitter rather than sweet.Farmers shifted to sugarcane because it requires relatively less labour and maintenance, while the expected price of around Rs 3,000 per tonne made it an attractive option. They also anticipated higher demand with the commissioning of new sugar factories. However, the lack of rainfall has upset their calculations.
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The district currently has five sugar factories, while new units are set to begin operations at Chigaralli, Holakunda and Savalagi in Jewargi taluk. Each factory has a crushing capacity of around 10 lakh tonnes of sugarcane. Thus, the nine factories together would require nearly 90-100 lakh tonnes of sugarcane. Current estimates, however, indicate production of only about 43 lakh tonnes, raising concerns over an acute shortage of cane for the factories.The cost of seeds and fertilisers for one acre of sugarcane ranges between Rs 35,000 and Rs 40,000. Erratic power supply has further aggravated the crisis faced by farmers. They have urged both the central and state govts to provide compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre, with each govt contributing Rs 25,000, and have called on the state govt to take immediate measures to safeguard the interests of sugarcane growers.Speaking to TOI, joint director of agriculture Samad Patel said the area under sugarcane cultivation has been steadily increasing. “Sugarcane thrives when there is sufficient water from borewells, rivers and streams. However, water levels have fallen due to inadequate rainfall. We are expecting good rains in the coming days,” he said.Sugarcane Growers’ Association president Jagadish Patil Rajapur said farmers are reeling under severe drought conditions. “There is a shortage of drinking water for both people and livestock, and even small streams have dried up completely. Under such circumstances, it is difficult for sugarcane crops to survive. The govt must come to the aid of struggling farmers by providing compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre of sugarcane,” he said.