Question

Discuss the two factors which influence the location of the Sugar industry in Maharashtra.

Answer 1

Two factors influencing the location of the Sugar industry in Maharashtra are:

• Proximity to Raw Material (Sugarcane)
  • Sugarcane is perishable and weight-losing, so mills must be located close to cane fields to avoid loss of sucrose and high transport costs.
  • In Maharashtra, mills are concentrated in a belt from Manmad to Kolhapur, near sugarcane-growing areas.
• Climate and Longer Crushing Season
  • The tropical climate produces cane with higher sucrose content.
  • Maharashtra has a longer crushing season (about 162 days) compared to northern states, making mills more productive and profitable.