Question Q.17Describe distribution and examine environmental challengesGS3GS1

Describing the distribution of sugarcane producing countries, examine the major environmental challenges associated with its cultivation.

Introduction

Sugarcane is a tropical and subtropical crop leading to production of several processed products like sugar, khansarai, jaggery etc.

19 words

Main Body

Distribution of sugarcane producing countries: Brazil, India, Mexico, South East Asia (Thailand, Indonesia).

Conditions for sugarcane production :

(i) Tropical and subtropical latitude.

(ii) Humid and high temperatures.

(iii) High irrigation potential on rainfall (water intensive).

Sugarcane is produced largely in India, particularly in states like [mentioned as] better forest; sugar bowl of India ~50% of India's production.

Environmental challenges associated with sugarcane cultivation :

1Sugarcane is a very water intensive crop requiring large quotas of water for production (1kg sugarcane requires high water). Also high water export.

2Led to groundwater extraction at large scale (India- largest extractor ~275-9 others).

3Led to non-diversity of crops in the regions where sugarcane is cultivated.

Distribution of sugarcane producing countries:-

1Also produced in tropical country like Brazil as largest possibly

2Also produced largely in India, especially in states like Better forest - sugar bowl of India ~ 50% includes [unclear reference]

3South east Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia

Environmental challenges associated with sugarcane cultivation :-

1Sugarcane is a very water intensive crop requiring large quotas of water for production. High water export.

2Led to groundwater extraction at large scale (India - largest extractor ~275-9 others).

3Led to non-diversity of crops in the region where sugarcane is cultivated.

4Other challenges like grower in storage season (summer) with very high irrigation through takenwell etc.

5Release of greenhouse gases like H2Sulph as in the case of paddy & nursed, at high [impact].

Thus, leading to further impact on food production & storage.

Environmental challenges associated with sugarcane cultivation :-

1Sugarcane is a very water intensive crop requiring large quotas of water (1kg sugarcane). Also, high water export.

2Led to groundwater extraction at large scale (India - largest extractor ~275-9 others).

3Led to non-diversity of crops in the regions where sugarcane is cultivated.

4Other challenges like grower in storage season (summer) with very high irrigation through takenwell etc.

5Release of greenhouse gases like H2Sulph & fertilized seed.

Thus, leading to further impact on food production & storage.

346 words23 paragraphs

Conclusion

Thus, sugarcane as a crop requires urgent efforts at international collaboration to deal with the arising environmental challenges.

18 words

Diagram

World map showing distribution of sugarcane producing countries - Brazil, India, Mexico, South East Asia labeled

Good geographic distribution map provided
Clearly identified environmental challenges
Mentioned specific production statistics for India
Connected conditions to challenges
Covered multiple environmental aspects

Open original scan

Page 38

Topper

Geetika Arora

AIR 222025

Subject & Paper

GS3GS1

Topic

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sugarcane Production and Environmental Impact

Distribution of Sugarcane and Environmental Challenges

Writing Stats

383

Total words

Paragraphs

Descriptive and analytical

Tone