Sugarcane's Thirst

Why growing sugarcane in drought-prone Maharashtra strains water supplies, how much water cane uses, and ideas like drip irrigation and shifting cane to wetter regions.

Sugarcane is one of the thirstiest crops.

Water use

Growing a kilogram of sugar can require over 1,500 to 2,000 litres of water, depending on region and method.

The Maharashtra paradox

Much of Maharashtra’s cane is grown in drought-prone regions.
Cane covers a small share of the state’s cropped area but uses a large share of its irrigation water.
During the 2016 drought in Marathwada, water trains were sent to Latur, while cane fields nearby still used irrigation.

Why cane persists

Assured prices and buyers.
Political influence of sugar cooperatives.
Irrigation from dams, often at low cost.

Solutions

Drip irrigation: Maharashtra has pushed drip for cane.
Shifting cane to water-rich regions like UP and Bihar.
Pricing water to reflect scarcity.
Alternative crops like pulses and millets in dry areas.

Ethanol concern

Expanding ethanol from cane could increase cane area and water use.

The water train

In 2016, a train carried drinking water to drought-hit Latur. Nearby, cane fields drew irrigation from local sources, showing the conflict over scarce water.

Thinking cane grows best where it's grown most

Much cane grows in drought-prone areas due to policies and incentives.

Key takeaways

Sugarcane uses large amounts of water.
Maharashtra grows much cane in drought-prone areas.
Assured prices and politics keep cane in dry regions.
Drip irrigation and shifting cane can help.