RS

Rishabh SharmaAIR 116

Question Q.17Describe distribution and examine environmental challengesGS1GS1

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

Open scan (p.41)
AnswerStrengthsGapsKeywords

Introduction

India is the second largest producer of sugar cane in the world after Brazil but faces various challenges associated with sugarcane cultivation.

22 words

Main Body

Major Environmental Challenges:

1Very water intensive crops
1Very water intensive crops depletes the ground water table
2Tropical crops → used is worn only in tropics, not in subtropics

Ex - Per hectare yield high in Maharashtra than in OP.

3Weight loss of crop → heavy transport costs which causes environmental pollution.
4Requires herbicides & pesticides which deteriorate soil.
5Cultivation leads to uprooting of forests and deforestation

Eg - Amazon rainforest, Indonesia

6Loss of biodiversity due to monoculture of sugarcane in tropical regions
7No crop diversification → causes depletion of soil nutrients.
8Consumes water which can be used for other purposes
9Eutrophication of ponds & lakes

Measures to counter these challenges:

1Crop diversification and reduced reliance on sugar cane
2Shift towards other alternatives → Beet sugar
Palm sugar
3Genetically modified crop of sugarcane that consumes less water
4Organic farming

Health campaigns to reduce demand of sugar

5Challenges must be addressed to solve the prevailing issues of sugar industry.
173 words15 paragraphs

Conclusion

Challenges must be addressed to solve the prevailing issues of sugar industry.

12 words

Diagram

Map showing distribution of sugarcane producing countries: Brazil, Argentina, Central America, East Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Asia, India

  • Good use of map to show distribution
  • Identifies India as second largest producer
  • Clear structure

Open original scan

Page 41

Topper

Rishabh Sharma

AIR 116

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world

Agricultural Products and Environmental Impact

Sugarcane Production and Environmental Challenges

Writing Stats

207

Total words

15

Paragraphs

Formal, technical

Tone