What are the geographical and economic factors that influence the location of the sugar industry, and how do they contribute to the growth of the industry in India and different parts of the world?

Geographical factors:

1. Water availability is prime factor for sugar cane industry (which influence sugar industry location as it is weight-losing crop)

2. Presence in Dark region, Tarai region, Krishna-Godavari belt and coastal regions

3. Temperate conditions not suitable for higher sucrose creation. There must shift to tropical region in South India

Economic factors:

1. Presence of cooperatives play a major role in sugar industry (e.g.: in Maharashtra region)

2. Urea availability of labour is important factor for sugar mills (in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra)

3. Coastal regions (like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha) provide port connectivity

4. Inland waterways help to transport

5. Government policies (especially state support) is important for credit availability & learner remuneration (beyond FRP)

6. External controls on sector like FRP - one sugar mill in one sq.km area

These factors are also present in Brazil, China which are important sugar producers.

Contribute to growth of industry:

1. Sugar is used as raw material in food-processing industry

2. B-Molasses (sugarcane not extracted completely) can be diverted to ethanol production units

3. They contribute to development of ancillary industries that provide inputs like machines for sugar mills

Given the importance of the industry, Government should adopt Kacchi Ranger report which aims to freshen liberalize the sector.