Sustainable Sugarcane Production: Role of Policy and Legislation in the Context of India

Abstract

This research paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the impact of policy and legislation on the promotion of sugarcane production in India. It thoroughly examines various Acts, Orders, and policies from 1932 to 2020, including the Essential Commodities Act, Sugar Control Order, and Biofuel policy etc. The study evaluates the effectiveness of these policies in ensuring the efficient use of resources in sugarcane cultivation and addresses the sustainability of the sugarcane sector, as well as the socio-economic improvements brought about by regulatory implementation in the sugar industry. It also discusses the challenges in balancing environmental, economic, and social factors within the sugarcane industry and provides policy recommendations aimed at enhancing it, such as integrating policy frameworks, supporting farmers, and offering incentives for sugar mills. This paper concludes that the legislation framed for the welfare of the sugar industry has helped this sector to grow tremendously in terms of production, productivity, and trade. It has also contributed to generating significant employment in the economy. The paper sheds light on previous literature and supports the view that such regulations have affected the free play of the sugar market and, in turn, its overallperformance.