Subject: Indian Geography

India's sugar industry has witnessed dynamic changes in recent years, with the southern states emerging as new frontiers for sugar production. The evolving pattern of sugar mill establishment reflects broader changes in agricultural patterns and economic policies.

Analysis of Sugar Mill Trends in Southern India

Current Production Scenario

• Declining Production: The overall sugarcane production is estimated to decrease to 439.9 MMT in 2024-25 from 453.16 MMT in 2023-24, indicating challenges in the sector.
• Regional Variations: Karnataka witnessed a -3.1% decline while Tamil Nadu experienced a sharp -32.01% decrease in production compared to the previous year.

Factors Not Supporting New Sugar Mills in South

• Water Scarcity: Southern states face recurring drought conditions, making sustained sugarcane cultivation challenging.
• Production Decline: The significant reduction in production numbers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu indicates unfavorable conditions for new investments.
• Competition: Northern states like Uttar Pradesh and western states like Maharashtra continue to dominate sugar production.

Evidence of Limited Growth

• Only established players like Kothari Sugars and Chemicals Ltd. and Rajshree Sugars & Chemicals Limited maintain operations.
• Focus is more on modernizing existing units rather than establishing new mills.
• Investment patterns show preference for diversification into power and alcohol production rather than new sugar mills.

Counter Trends in Other Regions

• Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Bihar have shown increased sugar production.
• These states offer better infrastructure and policy support for sugar industry expansion.
• The shift of investment focus towards these regions indicates a contrasting trend to southern expansion.

The evidence suggests that contrary to the premise, there isn't a significant trend of opening new sugar mills in Southern states. The sector faces challenges of declining production and resource constraints. The future of sugar industry in South India lies in modernization and diversification of existing units rather than establishment of new mills, as demonstrated by the strategies of major industry players like Kothari Sugars and Rajshree Sugars.