Which of the following statements regarding the sugar industry in India is/are correct?
1. India ranks as the world's second-largest producer of sugar.
2. India ranks first in the production of gur and khandsari.
3. Sugar industry uses lightweight raw material.
4. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar together house about 60% of sugar mills.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Only 1, 2 and 4
ExplanationThe assessment of the statements regarding the sugar industry in India is as follows:
Production Ranking: India is indeed one of the world's leading sugar producers, ranking second globally, trailing only Brazil. Therefore, statement 1 is correct.
Gur and Khandsari: India holds the top position globally in the production of traditional sweeteners like gur and khandsari. Therefore, statement 2 is correct.
Raw Material: The sugar industry uses sugarcane, which is a 'weight-losing' raw material, not a lightweight one. Because sugarcane loses weight and sucrose content shortly after being harvested, mills must be located near the farms to maintain production efficiency. Therefore, statement 3 is incorrect.
Distribution: Historically, a significant portion of sugar mills (approximately 60%) in India have been concentrated in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which are major sugarcane-growing regions. Therefore, statement 4 is correct.
Important Questions and AnswersQuestion: Why is the sugar industry geographically concentrated near sugarcane fields?
Answer: Sugarcane is a perishable and weight-losing raw material. To ensure high sugar recovery and avoid transportation losses, mills are situated in close proximity to cultivation areas.
Question: What advantage does the sugar industry in Southern India have?
Answer: Sugar mills in Southern India often have a longer crushing season and higher sucrose content in sugarcane due to favorable climatic conditions, which enhances productivity.