FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROCESS OF SUGARCANE CULTIVATION AND PRODUCTIVITY IN DARMAPURI DISTRICT (An exploratory among the sugar cane growers)

Sugarcane cultivation plays a significant role in the agricultural economy of Tamil Nadu, particularly in districts where climatic and
soil conditions support commercial crop production. This study examines the factors affecting the process of sugarcane cultivation and
productivity in Dharmapuri District. The research was conducted as an exploratory study among sugarcane growers to identify the various
factors such as economic, technical, institutional, production and environmental factors influencing the process of sugarcane cultivation and
productivity. For this study, a total of 187 sugarcane growers were selected using convenient sapling method and distributed a structured interview
schedule to collect primary data regarding landholding size, irrigation practices, input usage, labor availability, and access to credit, government support, and
adoption of modern farming technologies. Secondary data were also reviewed to understand regional cultivation trends. The study employed descriptive
statistical analysis to interpret the data and assess the level of influence of the various factors on the productivity of sugarcane outcomes. The findings indicate
that several factors significantly influence sugarcane productivity in Dharmapuri District. It is obvious that increasing sugarcane productivity in Dharmapuri
district requires a multifaceted approach. Adoption of modern farming techniques, timely access to machinery and inputs, improved extension services, organized
irrigation systems, supportive financial, institutional mechanisms are key strategies. By addressing these areas, sugarcane farmers can achieve higher yields,
improved sugar recovery rates. This study also suggested that improving irrigation infrastructure, strengthening extension services, promoting high
yielding varieties and facilitating easier access to credit and subsidies can increase sugarcane productivity and uninterrupted process of
sugarcane cultivation, policy interventions and farmer training programs are essential to support sustainable sugarcane cultivation and improve
the standard of living of sugarcane farmers in Dharmapuri District.