Depletion of groundwater and consequent poor irrigation facility have forced sugarcane farmers to give up cultivation in several parts of the district.
Against 6,349 hectares brought under sugar cane cultivation during 2015-16, the farmers have raised the crop on just 5,788 hectares, leaving a shortfall by about 561 hectares.
Agriculture Department officials said depletion in groundwater table has had an adverse impact on the growth and size of the cash crop. Many farmers have cultivated ‘Coc-92061’ variety as it can withstand diseases and suitable for drought-prone areas.
On the quality of sugarcane, the source said that the sugar recovery would be far less this season as the cane had not registered adequate growth. “It will be around seven per cent or less.” The problem would be more serious during the forthcoming season (2017-18), as cane-growers were hesitant not to burn their fingers again.
