A Study on the Relationship between Grower Characteristics and Adoption of Sugarcane Practices

Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, employing nearly two-thirds of the country’sworkforce and contributing 16.1per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite a gradual decline in its share of GDP, agriculture remains vital due to its vast geographical coverage occupying around 43per cent of India’sland area—and its role in ensuring food security, economic growth, and rural development. Among the diverse array of crops cultivated in India, sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) holds a prominent position as one of the most significant commercial crops, with wide applications ranging from sugar production to bio-based industries. Contributes approximately 60per cent to the global sugar production, with India being one of the top producers. It is cultivated primarily in tropical and sub-tropical regions, making large parts of India including the northern plains and southern plateau ideal for its growth. It serves as a raw material for producing white sugar, jaggery (gur), and khandsari, and is also consumed directly through juice and chewing. The sugar industry, being a significant agro-based sector, contributes to employment, rural development, and foreign exchange savings. Over time, sugarcane has become a key cash crop, offering considerable economic opportunities to Indian farmers. Historically, the productivity of sugarcane in India has shown a steady increase from 56 tonnes per hectare in 1950–51 to 74.4 tonnes per hectare in 2017–18 due to advancements in production technologies, improved varieties, and better agronomic practices. Despite these gains, the actual yields are still far below the potential yield, which is more than double the current national average of 5.82 tonnes/ha. The yield gap is attributed to various constraints including climatic variability, suboptimal adoption of modern technologies, poor pest and disease management, inefficient marketing systems, and socio-economic challenges. A notable concern is the limited adoption of the recommended package of practices developed by research institutes. While extensive research has generated viable and productive sugarcane technologies, many innovations remain confined to research stations, with minimal transfer to the field level. This gap between technology development and adoption is particularly evident instates like Rajasthan, where sugarcane cultivation though geographically suitable and productive in districts such as Sriganganagar, Bundi, and Chittorgarh faces numerous agronomic and institutional challenges. For sustainable improvement in sugarcane production and productivity, it is critical to evaluate the level of adoption among farmers, the level of knowledge of improved practices, and the constraints impeding technology diffusion. Understanding these dynamics will not only help optimize production but also uplift the socio-economic status of sugarcane growers, contribute to rural livelihoods, and enhance national sugar output. This study, therefore, seeks to assess the current status of sugarcane cultivation practices, analyze adoption barriers, and provide actionable insights for researchers, extension workers, and policymakers to realign strategies for effective technology dissemination and industry modernization.