Sugarcane production has changed the standard of living of farmers, residing in Pandaria block in Kawardha district. It has not only resulted in growth of income but led to development of farmers. Since 20 years, farmers of Pandaria are engaged in sugarcane production. They used to produce jaggery and sell it in the market.
Earlier, due to poverty, only a few farmers who were quite rich, were producing sugarcane in 1000-2000 acres of land. But now even small and poor farmers are also engaged in sugarcane farming. A farmer Chotulal Chandrakar informed that he was also engaged in sugarcane farming though earlier he was producing sugarcane in only 8 to 10 acres, but this year he has produced sugarcane in 35 acres of land. Chotulal has given the credit to Raw Sugar Industry, which has not only increased sugarcane production, but also improved their income.
According to estimated figures, about 5 to 6 thousand hectares of sugarcane was produced in the year 2012-2013, which increased up to 6900 hectares in the year 2013-2014. Surpassing all the previous records, more than 7800 hectares of sugarcane was cultivated by farmers in 2014-2015.
However, the survey of 2014-2015 has yet not completed, but according to Agriculture department, the production area has increased by 10 per cent in the current year.
As compared to other crops, sugarcane production is more beneficial. Possibility of famine is less and crop circle is also encouraged. Beside all this, risk of disease is comparatively less in sugarcane farming. Sugarcane production cost effective in all respects as well as helps in improving financial status of farmers, said one of the farmers, Umashankar Shukla, a resident of Maakri village in Pandaria block.
Agriculture Development Officer CDS Tomar said that motivation by the department has led to increase in sugarcane production. Sugarcane farming is more beneficial for farmers than farming other crops.
“Farmers have received more loan from government for producing sugarcane, which has led to increase in income. After the opening of one more sugar industry, more farmers will be encouraged for sugarcane production in the block and it will help improving living standards of farmers,” said farmer Nakul Singh Thakur.