Sugarcane cultivation has reportedly declined by around 96% in Chittoor and Tirupati districts, marking a major change in the agricultural landscape of the region. The sharp fall has raised concerns among farmers and those dependent on the sugar industry.
The decline is linked to challenges facing sugarcane cultivation and the deteriorating financial position of the sugar industry in the region. Farmers have increasingly moved away from the crop as economic returns and support systems have weakened.
The development could affect agricultural livelihoods as well as local sugar-related businesses. The future of sugarcane cultivation in these districts is now attracting attention from farmers and policymakers.