Question

Maharashtra is one of the major states producing sugarcane. It's share in total production of sugarcane in India is around :

• A. One-sixth
• B. One-fourth
• C. One-third
• D. Two-fifth

Hint:

While Uttar Pradesh has a larger cultivated area and higher total production (nearly 40%), tropical states like Maharashtra have a higher sucrose recovery rate due to cooler nights and maritime breezes during the ripening stage.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is an important cash crop in India.
The country is divided into two major sugarcane-producing regions: the sub-tropical region (primarily Uttar Pradesh) and the tropical region (primarily Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us examine the production statistics of sugarcane in India:
- India produces roughly 400 to 440 million tonnes of sugarcane annually.
- Uttar Pradesh is the leading producer, contributing around 40% to 43% of the national output.
- Maharashtra is the second-largest producer. It contributes approximately 24% to 26% of India's total sugarcane production.
Mathematically, a share of 25% corresponds to:
\[ \text{Share} = \frac{1}{4} \quad \text{(One-fourth)} \] Factors contributing to Maharashtra's high share include a favorable tropical climate, higher solar radiation, and a highly organized cooperative sugar sector that ensures efficient crushing and recovery.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, Maharashtra's share in the total production of sugarcane in India is around one-fourth.