An Analysis of Sugarcane Farming and Jaggery Production in Narsinghpur District of Madhya Pradesh vis-a-vis Growers' Characteristics and Economic Motivations

Abstract

The study was conducted in the Narsinghpur district of Madhya Pradesh, encompassing all five tehsils of the district. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of sugarcane growers were middle-aged and had a graduation degree. The average land holding size was medium and the area cultivated for sugarcane production was also 1.01 to 2.00 hectares. Sugarcane growers had medium-level experience in cultivation and processing, and the average size of their jaggery unit was medium. They earned medium income from both jaggery and sugarcane sales, and sold jaggery primarily through commission agents at the regular market yard. Approximately 67.67% of the growers had received training in sugarcane production technology, while 85.78% had received training in processing and value addition. The average jaggery unit had medium functionality and employed 15 workers. Over 80% of the growers stated that the profitability in processing sugarcane was the main reason for their diversion towards processing and value addition.