Favourable climatic conditions and payment of better prices by factories have led to a 50 per cent rise in the area under sugarcane cultivation to 180,000 hectares (ha) in the current year as against 120,000 ha last year.
According to an official press release, timely intervention by the cane development councils and supply of subsidised seed and other inputs also contributed to the increase in the area under sugarcane cultivation.
Chief minister K Rosaiah, who reviewed the activities of the sugar department on Monday, agreed for passing the benefit of purchase tax incentives given to sugar mills to cane growers in view of the non-declaration of State Advisory Price.
He also agreed to send an official team to study the systems in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, which have set up efficient research and development wings for cane development and sugar processing. He wanted the team to submit its report in three months.
The chief minister was stated to have expressed his happiness on learning that a new sugar factory, Krishnaveni Sugars Limited, that had been set up in Mahabubnagar district would commence crushing operations by January, next year.
