Why are sugar mills concentrated in sugarcane producing areas? Explain any three problems faced by sugar industry in India.

1. The sugar mills in India are usually concentrated in sugarcane producing areas in the southern and western states, especially in Maharashtra because the cane produced in these areas has high sucrose content.

2. The sugar industry is seasonal in nature and therefore a cooler climate ensures longer crushing season. In addition, the cooperatives in these regions are very much successful.

3. The seasonal nature of work in this industry is a major drawback as people are employed to work only during the period when sugarcane is produced.

4. The methods of production employed in the processing of sugar are old and inefficient in working. This poses a problem which significantly affects the levels of output of production.

5. There is also a need to address the transport facilities because often the transportation of cane to the factories for further processing is delayed which affects the quality of output. Additionally, there is also a need to maximise the use of baggage i.e. the dry pulp which is left after extracting juice from sugarcane.

NOTE – The sugar industry in India is the second largest producer of sugar in the world. Although it has its own problems, this industry has been able to stand at a high position worldwide.