India: Amit Shah highlights substantial growth in sugarcane cultivation

New Delhi [India], August 10 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday highlighted the substantial growth in sugarcane cultivation and production and ethanol production, which are critical milestones in the nation’s agricultural and energy sectors. Shah said, “In 2013-14, the area under sugarcane cultivation was 5 million hectares, and today, in the tenth year, we have successfully expanded it to 6 million hectares, marking an 18 percent increase. Sugarcane production, which was 352 million tonnes, has now reached 491 million tonnes, reflecting a 40 percent increase. Yield has also seen a 19 percent growth, and gross sugar production has recorded a 58 percent increase.” He added, “Ethanol production and the diversion of sugar into ethanol were at 0 million tonnes, but today, due to policy measures, we are able to produce 4.5 million tonnes of sugar for ethanol diversion. The ethanol derived from the sugar industry was initially 380 million liters, with limited use, but ...