Question

Mention the causes of southward migration of sugar industry in India.

Answer 1

The causes of the southward migration of the sugar industry in India are mainly due to more favorable conditions in peninsular India compared to northern India. These causes include:

1. Tropical Climate in the South: Peninsular India has a tropical climate that produces higher yield per unit area of sugarcane compared to the northern region.
2. Higher Sucrose Content: The sugarcane variety grown in the southern tropical region has a higher sucrose content, which is beneficial for sugar production.
3. Longer Crushing Season: The crushing season in the south is much longer. In the north, the crushing season lasts about four months (November to February), whereas in the south it extends for about 7-8 months (from October to May or June). A longer crushing season improves operational efficiency and profitability.
4. Better Management of Co-operative Sugar Mills: Co-operative sugar mills in the south are generally better managed than those in the north.
5. Modern Machinery: Most sugar mills in the south are relatively new and equipped with modern machinery, unlike the older mills in the north which often have obsolete equipment.