Sugarcane Value Chain Reforms and Their Role in Achieving Viksit Bharat 2047

The sugarcane sector plays a vital role in India’s agrarian economy, supporting millions of farmers, generating rural employment, and contributing significantly to agro-based industries such as sugar, ethanol, and power generation. However, inefficiencies across the sugarcane value chain—ranging from low farm productivity and delayed payments to processing inefficiencies and market distortions—continue to limit its growth potential. In the context of India’s vision of achieving Viksit Bharat 2047, comprehensive reforms in the sugarcane value chain are essential to enhance productivity, sustainability, and income stability for stakeholders. This study examines the existing structure and challenges within the sugarcane value chain and evaluates ongoing and proposed reforms in production, procurement, pricing mechanisms, processing efficiency, diversification into ethanol and bio-energy, and supply chain modernization. The paper highlights how technological adoption, improved farm practices, digital market linkages, policy support, and sustainable resource management can strengthen competitiveness while ensuring environmental sustainability. The research concludes that value chain reforms, combined with policy alignment and industry modernization, can significantly enhance farmer income, promote rural industrialization, support renewable energy goals, and contribute to inclusive economic growth. Strengthening the sugarcane ecosystem will thus play a crucial role in realizing the broader objectives of Viksit Bharat 2047, ensuring economic resilience, energy security, and sustainable agricultural development.