Daily Current Affairs : 7-August-2023

India’s prominence as the world’s leading sugar producer in the 2021-2022 season has brought both accolades and challenges to the forefront. While the country’s status as a major sugar producer is noteworthy, the extensive resource consumption associated with sugar cultivation has raised concerns about the potential for future crises. This essay delves into the reasons behind India’s excess sugar production, the implications of excessive sugarcane cultivation on groundwater resources, and potential solutions to address these pressing issues.

Excess Sugar Production: A Double-Edged Sword

India’s status as the largest consumer of sugar globally necessitates substantial domestic production to meet demand. However, the excessive sugar production can be attributed to a combination of factors, including policies designed to encourage sugarcane cultivation. The Central government’s Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) scheme ensures fair profits for sugarcane farmers by mandating a minimum price paid by sugar mills. Additionally, state governments offer generous subsidies to incentivize sugarcane cultivation, leading to an imbalance in crop diversification.

Global Trade Dynamics and Challenges:

India’s sugar surplus and support measures have not gone unnoticed on the international stage. Countries like Brazil, Australia, and Guatemala have raised concerns with the World Trade Organization (WTO), alleging that India’s export subsidies and domestic support mechanisms violate global trade rules. These measures have created an uneven playing field, potentially distorting the global sugar market.

Ethanol as a Potential Solution:

To address the sugar surplus, the Indian government has explored the production of ethanol, an organic compound derived from sugarcane molasses or sugar. Ethanol finds application in various industries, including alcoholic beverages, chemicals, and cosmetics. Moreover, the introduction of ethanol-blended petrol (EBP) in the transport sector has proven effective in reducing harmful emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Groundwater Depletion: A Looming Crisis

The overreliance on groundwater for sugarcane irrigation poses a significant threat to India’s water resources. Major sugarcane-growing states heavily depend on groundwater due to inadequate rainfall. According to the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB), producing 100 kg of sugar requires a staggering two lakh liters of groundwater. This alarming rate of groundwater consumption raises concerns about drought vulnerability and groundwater stress, particularly in regions with low rainfall.

Sustainable Solutions:

To mitigate the challenges posed by excessive sugarcane cultivation and groundwater depletion, a multifaceted approach is required:

  1. Diversified Subsidy Schemes: Implementing fair and comprehensive subsidy programs for various crops can encourage farmers to diversify their cultivation, preventing overemphasis on sugarcane and promoting crop rotation. This approach can ensure equitable income distribution and resource management.
  2. Promoting Crop Diversification: Encouraging the cultivation of profitable, less resource-intensive crops can alleviate the strain on vital natural resources while enhancing farmers’ income. This approach can also lead to a more balanced agricultural ecosystem.
  3. Environmentally Responsible Practices: Adopting sustainable sugarcane cultivation techniques, such as drip irrigation, can significantly reduce water consumption. Drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to the roots, can decrease water usage by up to 70% compared to traditional flood irrigation methods.

Important Points:

Excess Sugar Production and Policies:

  • India became the top sugar producer, surpassing Brazil in 2021-2022.
  • Excess sugar production driven by policies favoring sugarcane cultivation.
  • Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) scheme ensures minimum price for sugarcane.
  • State subsidies incentivize sugarcane cultivation, affecting crop diversification.
  • WTO complaints by other countries about excessive subsidies and unfair competition.

Ethanol as a Solution:

  • Indian government considers diverting excess sugar to ethanol production.
  • Ethanol is an organic compound from sugarcane used in beverages, chemicals, and cosmetics.
  • Ethanol-blended petrol (EBP) reduces vehicle emissions, aiding environmental sustainability.

Groundwater Depletion and Sugarcane Cultivation:

  • Sugarcane cultivation relies heavily on groundwater due to inadequate rainfall.
  • Top sugarcane-growing states use confined aquifers for irrigation.
  • 100 kg of sugar production requires two lakh liters of groundwater.
  • Concerns over drought vulnerability and groundwater stress in low rainfall regions.

Solutions to Address Challenges:

  • Implement diversified subsidy schemes for various crops.
  • Encourage crop diversification to prevent monocultures and resource strain.
  • Promote environmentally responsible sugarcane cultivation practices.
  • Adopt drip irrigation to reduce water consumption by up to 70%.
Why In News

In a remarkable feat, India clinched the title of the world’s leading sugar producer in the 2021-2022 season, outpacing even Brazil. However, this milestone is accompanied by a looming concern as the intensive resource utilization for sugar production is precipitating an alarming depletion, casting shadows of a potential crisis on the horizon. Moreover, unless sustainable practices are adopted, the nation’s newfound success could be overshadowed by ecological and agricultural challenges in the years to come.

MCQs about Balancing India’s Sugar Production

  1. What contributed to India’s excess sugar production in recent years?
    A. Low domestic sugar consumption
    B. Favorable rainfall for sugarcane cultivation
    C. Government policies encouraging sugarcane farming
    D. Global restrictions on sugar imports
    Correct Answer: C. Government policies encouraging sugarcane farming
    Explanation: The India’s excess sugar production is driven by policies favoring sugarcane cultivation, such as the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) scheme and state subsidies.
  2. Why have countries like Brazil, Australia, and Guatemala filed complaints against India with the WTO?
    A. India’s refusal to export sugar
    B. India’s violations of international trade rules
    C. India’s lack of agricultural production
    D. India’s excessive rainfall causing floods
    Correct Answer: B. India’s violations of international trade rules
    Explanation: These countries lodged complaints with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against India for violating trade rules through excessive export subsidies and domestic support, leading to unfair competition.
  3. Which of the following industries utilizes ethanol, a byproduct of sugarcane?
    A. Textile manufacturing
    B. Information technology
    C. Alcoholic beverages
    D. Automotive production
    Correct Answer: C. Alcoholic beverages
    Explanation: The ethanol, produced from sugarcane molasses or sugar, is used in industries such as alcoholic beverages, chemicals, and cosmetics.
  4. What is a suggested method to reduce water consumption in sugarcane cultivation?
    A. Increase flood irrigation
    B. Relocate sugarcane fields to high rainfall areas
    C. Implement drip irrigation
    D. Encourage groundwater overuse
    Correct Answer: C. Implement drip irrigation
    Explanation: The drip irrigation allows water to be delivered directly to the roots of sugarcane plants, reducing water consumption by up to 70% compared to traditional flood irrigation methods.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading