Context:
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Sugarcane is emerging as a strategic crop with roles extending beyond sugar production to bioethanol, genetic research, traditional medicine, and sustainable development.
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Recent genomic studies and policy thrusts on green energy highlight sugarcane’s growing relevance for India and the world.
Key Highlights:
Genetic Diversity and Evolution
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A genomic analysis of 390 sugarcane breeds from multiple countries revealed that modern sugarcane is highly hybridised, shaped by human-mediated transport and selective breeding.
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Polyploidy (multiple chromosome sets) in sugarcane enhances adaptability, yield potential, and resilience.
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A 2006 study by the Sugarcane Breeding Institute (SBI), Coimbatore, identified Arunachal Pradesh as having the highest sugarcane genetic diversity in India.
India’s Production Landscape
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India is one of the largest sugarcane producers globally, cultivating the crop across 13 States.
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Major producing States: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat.
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2024–25 production: ~4,400 lakh tonnes, underscoring its economic importance.
Bioethanol and Energy Transition
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Sugarcane is a key feedstock for bioethanol, supporting India’s clean energy transition and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
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India is also utilising sugarcane waste, rice, and wheat for ethanol blending.
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The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has initiated bioethanol production in Assam, aligning with national green energy initiatives.
Medicinal and Traditional Uses
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Sugarcane has long been used in traditional medicine in India, China, and Pakistan.
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Ongoing research explores its medicinal properties, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), linking agriculture with health and sustainability.
Research and Institutional Support
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ICAR has established specialised sugar research institutes to improve varieties using botanical and molecular techniques.
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Institutions like SBI, Coimbatore, focus on yield improvement, disease resistance, and climate resilience.
Relevant Prelims Points:
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Crop: Sugarcane – major commercial crop of India.
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Production (2024–25): ~4,400 lakh tonnes.
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Top States: UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat.
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Key Concepts:
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Polyploidy: Multiple chromosome sets.
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Bioethanol: Renewable fuel from biomass.
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Genetic Diversity: Crucial for adaptability and resilience.
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Institutions: ICAR, Sugarcane Breeding Institute (Coimbatore).
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Energy Link: Ethanol blending, green fuels.
Relevant Mains Points:
Economy & Agriculture (GS III):
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Sugarcane as a pillar of rural livelihoods, agro-processing, and exports.
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Diversification into ethanol improves farmer incomes and stabilises prices.
Science & Technology (GS III):
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Role of genomics and molecular breeding in crop improvement.
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Harnessing polyploidy for yield and climate resilience.
Indian Geography (GS I):
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Spatial distribution of sugarcane across tropical and subtropical India.
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Regional diversity with hotspots like Arunachal Pradesh.
Sustainability & Way Forward:
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Promote value-added uses (ethanol, by-products) to reduce surplus stress.
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Strengthen genetic conservation and climate-resilient breeding.
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Integrate sugarcane into circular bioeconomy models (waste-to-energy).
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Balance water use with micro-irrigation and sustainable practices.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS I: Indian Geography – crop distribution
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GS III: Economy, Science & Technology, Bioenergy, Sustainable agriculture
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Prelims: Polyploidy, bioethanol, genetic diversity, sugarcane institutes