Analysis of Sugarcane Production in Punjab, Pakistan; Constraints and Yield Nexus

Abstract

Purpose of study: For the previous couple of years, sugarcane crop production is under crisis for many reasons. This study aimed at exploring those reasons impeding the potential production of sugarcane in the Rahim Yar Khan district of Punjab, Pakistan.
 Methodology: A total of 343 randomly selected sugarcane growers participated in this study as respondents. Data were collected through face-to-face interview techniques on a structured and validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 22).
 Results: Quantitative results indicated that the total production of sugarcane during the last two years dropped from 833 to 636 mounds per acre. The chi-square analysis confirmed that production, protection, climatic changes policy and financially associated factors had statistically significant (P<0.05) inverse impacts on sugarcane production. In contrast, the marketing factors were statistically non-significant for the production of sugarcane (P>0.05). The qualitative findings as perceived by key informants confirmed that non-availability of disease-resistant varieties, traditional irrigation mechanism, lack of proper plant protection measures, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), climate change, high cost of production, and sluggish policy had pressurized the sugarcane production.
 Recommendations: It is suggested that the development of insect pests, diseasesand drought-resistant varieties should be launched. Efficient and alternate row irrigation system, climate change adoption strategies, integrated pest management, mechanized farming of sugarcane should be adopted in order to curtail the production cost and increase the level of production.
 Novelty: Studies have been conducted to investigate the influencing factors on the yield of sugarcane but this is the first study that indicates the association of those factors that are hampering on-farm production of sugarcane crop in district Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan.

The Ongoing Crisis in the Sugar Industry: The Implications of Legislation and a Need for Deregulation

“…While there are obvious biases on either end, any effective change that is to be undertaken must endeavour to address these concerns so far as it is possible. Overall, our findings through these Key Informant Interviews are also concurrent with the literature that reviewed such as the fact that there has been severely deficient Research, Development and Extension work (Raza & Amir, 2021), and the unsustainable price control mechanisms (Jamal, 2021). Other points raised that we also found reflected in pre-existing literature include the existence of challenges such as scarcity of water and improper irrigation and the dominance of political figures as millers (Rizvi, 2000;Chhapra, et al 2010;Rizvi, 2000).…”

“…This is largely due to the fact that most farmers tend to be illiterate and lack the knowledge and funds necessary to adopt more scientific cultivation practices. This is reflected in a disappointing yield of 50-57 tonnes per hectare and recovery of 9-10 percent compared to the potential for 150-250 tonnes per hectare yield along with 10-12 percent recovery (Raza & Amir, 2021). To counter this, Pakistan does have several research institutions, including some mills dedicated to R&D for cane however, these have been unable to produce results due to poor management and insufficient funding.…”

A Comparative in Vitro Study of Pb Tolerance in Three Sugarcane Genotypes

“…Major reasons behind this gap are conventional breeding, wrong selection of genotypes, soil quality, biotic and abiotic stress. Moreover, many local genotypes are losing their potential to resist against biotic and abiotic stress over the years (Raza and Amir, 2021).…”