Growth and Instability of Sugarcane Production in Maharashtra, India

This study analyses the instability in the area, production and productivity of sugarcane in Maharashtra, using the secondary data for the period1950-51 to2019-20. The analysis periods have been divided into five sub-periods on the basis of various reforms in sugarcane industry. The growth trend, decomposition analysis and the Cuddy Della Instability Index have been used for the analysis. The trend of sugarcane productivity in Maharashtra was found to be stagnant between 1 to 3 percent. The result of decomposition analysis indicates a relatively more important contribution of area rather than increase in the production. The results of the Instability analysis revealed that the level of instability in the area, production and productivity of sugarcane increased drastically in Maharashtra. There is no association found between high instability and low growth rate and vice versa. With these research findings, following paper suggests that the sugarcane yield could to be improved through the use of high yielding varieties of sugarcane, improved cultivation practices and better water and soil management to make it profitable and sustainable.