Kharif acreage falls 16%, but ethanol effect boosts sugarcane

The overall kharif crop acreage has seen a significant drop by 16%, but there's a notable uptick in sugarcane planting, driven by government ethanol programs. While pulses and cereals face the steepest declines, farmers are pivoting to more lucrative cash crops. This shift not only bolsters ethanol production but also cuts down on the country's import costs, reflecting a strategic move to boost domestic energy resources and market competitiveness.