Marketing issues of sugarcane in Punjab

Sugarcane is one of the important commercial crops of Punjab. A survey of 200 cultivators regarding harvesting and transportation cost of sugarcane was undertaken. It was found that the harvesting of sugarcane was under a contractual labour system involving only male workers. The wage rate was found to be varying in the range of Rs. 50–60 per quintal. The total harvesting cost of sugarcane on the sample farms was estimated at Rs.15071 per acre. The transportation of sugarcane from farm gate to sugar mills was mechanized and tractor-trolley was the only mode of transportation. Loading was completely manual and loading charges were included in the contractual amount of harvesting. Total transportation cost on the sample farms was estimated at Rs.3479 per acre. The unloading system was mechanized and exclusively undertaken by sugar mills. Biased distribution of purchase slips by the sugar mills and prolonged waiting period in disposing of the crop was the main issues reported by the cultivators during the survey.