Abstract

Sugarcane is an important money erop of this province and the area under this crop increased from 1,25,000 acres in 1935-36 to 2,73,000 acres in 1947-48. The total investment on angarcane is roughly Rs. 25-25 crores, on land and Rs. 1-15 crores on factories. Nearly fifteen lakhs of unskilled labourers are dependent on this erop, not to mention of thousands of middle men, merchants and labourers employed by them. Being a money crop that fetches the maximum profit per acre as compared to other crops, this crop plays an important role in the economic structure of the poor cultivator, saving him from indebtedness. Though, during the present period of food crisis, it is considered less important, any attempt to completely displace this crop, will result in the cultivator's economie ruin. Dr. Burns in his report on Technological Possibilities in India pointed out that. Madras is capable of producing over 50 tons of cane per acre, due to its particular adaptability in respect of elimate and soil to this crop. But our present average production is only 20 tons of cane i. e. 50% of the potentiality. It is known to every one that the starting of the Samalkot Research Station saved the sugarcane crop of the. Godavari Delta from extinction by red-rot, and the starting of the Coimbatore Breeding Station developed the Sugar Industry of the country.

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