SY

SURABHI YADAVAIR 14· 2025

Question Q.17GS1GS1

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

Open scan (p.39)

Introduction

India is the second largest sugarcane producing country.

8 words

Main Body

India is the second largest sugarcane producing country.

Distribution of Sugarcane Producing Country:

[Map showing major sugarcane producing centres]

Map: Major sugarcane producing centres

Reasons for their location:

1Soil availability - alluvial, well-draining soil is ideal. [Eg] Indian Northern Plains
2Temperature: Need 25-35°C of temperature. (Tropical subtropical regions)
3Water Requirement - High required. So tropical area see high rainfall thus ideal.

Major Environmental challenges with its cultivation:

1Extensive (Water Requirement) - Water inefficient (India - 60% of water expaction for sugarcane crop only)
2On Soil - leads to erosion & degradation (UNECOD warned) [eg] In Punjab soil salinity - adding gypsum/now
3Threaten other (natural crops growth) [eg] Replaced Bajra, Jowar in Northern India.
4Extending Fertilizer requirement - Impact Pesticide & herbicide tolerance
5Promote (Monocropping) cultivation. Prevent crop Diversification.
6Hydrological Drought - caused in Major regions of Uttar Pradesh.

Ways to Address:

1Reduce Subsidy on Irrigation - electricity
2Revision of Price under MSP (FRP).
3Alternate crops in International year [& millet - subsidy on millet grain inclusion in MSP - open collection ]
4Educate Farmers - SHGS, granfathered [scheme]
5Soil Health Cards - for farmer Awareness

We need to more to Sustainable Practices (intra committee Report) for better environmental protection & water conservation.

216 words18 paragraphs

Conclusion

We need to move to sustainable practices (intra committee report) for better environmental protection and water conservation.

17 words

Diagram

Map showing distribution of sugarcane producing countries including India, Brazil, Cuba, Indonesia, Mexico, Congo, Angola

  • Clear map with major producers marked
  • Starting with key fact about India
  • Systematic approach
  • Specific statistics (25-35°C, 60% water)
  • Examples of soil degradation
  • Multiple environmental dimensions
  • Comprehensive solutions provided
  • Multiple policy instruments mentioned
  • Links to farmer awareness schemes

Topper

SURABHI YADAV

AIR 142025

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Sugarcane Production and Distribution

Global Distribution and Environmental Challenges

Geographic distribution of sugarcane, reasons for location

Writing Stats

241

Total words

18

Paragraphs