Shri Pramod Kumar Upadhyay IAS (Uttar Pradesh 2015), presently Secretary, Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), Uttar Pradesh, is transferred and appointed as Commissioner – Cane and Sugar, Uttar Pradesh.
The sugarcane and sugar industry forms a crucial backbone of Uttar Pradesh’s economy, particularly its rural sector. The sugarcane industry is the primary source of livelihood for an estimated 2.67 crore people in Uttar Pradesh, encompassing over 5 million sugarcane farmers and numerous agricultural laborers, workers in processing units, and traders.
With nearly 2.3 to 2.6 million hectares under cultivation, the state contributes about 45–50% to India’s total sugarcane production. This sector accounts for 17.05% of Uttar Pradesh’s agriculture and allied sector GDP, and when combined with the sugar industry, the contribution rises to 22.33%.
In the 2017–18 crushing season, the state’s 119 sugar mills employed around 60,000 workers and processed cane worth ₹35,454 crore. The Sugarcane Development Department has set an ambitious Gross Value Output (GVO) target of ₹1.41 trillion for 2025–26, aiming to boost cultivation and reduce reliance on government support.
Uttar Pradesh has also emerged as India’s leading ethanol producer, with significant investments in distillery units enhancing the state’s energy sector. Additionally, 61 sugar mills have cogeneration units producing approximately 1,555 MW of power, contributing to the state’s energy needs. By-products like molasses and bagasse are utilized in various industries, including alcohol production and paper manufacturing, generating substantial revenue through taxes and duties.
The Ganna Commissioner plays a pivotal role in regulating the sugarcane sector under the U.P. Sugarcane (Regulation of Supply and Purchase) Act, 1953. Responsibilities include declaring reserved areas for mills, regulating cane distribution, ensuring timely payments to farmers, and coordinating with stakeholders to implement government schemes and promote modern farming practices.
Despite challenges like red rot disease affecting yields, the state’s comprehensive approach aims to revitalise the sugarcane industry, ensuring its continued contribution to Uttar Pradesh’s economy and the livelihoods of millions.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Pramod Kumar Upadhyay the very best.
