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While the sugar industry in Tamil Nadu is struggling due to a fall in area under cane cultivation and consequent drop in supply, a severe shortage of seeds could be another threat in the coming season, said N Vijayan Nair, Director, Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore .
“Scanty rainfall for the past two-three years and near drought-like situation has impacted the crop adversely. Sugar mills which had about 25,000-30,000 acres of cane planting to their command are now left with just 7,000-8,000 acres,” Nair said.
The Institute conducted a drought survey in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka during the first week of August. Borewells and tanks have dried up and there is no water available even for drip irrigation. Partially dry canes are now being harvested and sent to the factory for crushing, resulting in low recovery, Nair said.
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