IN Pakistan, the sugar industry and associated sectors provide jobs to approximately 0.2 million people with more than nine million people involved in sugarcane production. There are over 80 sugar mills in Pakistan with a combined production capacity of 4m tonnes, mostly from sugarcane.

Growing on an area of 1.1m hectares, sugarcane contributes 0.5 per cent to Pakistan’s GDP and is the most important cash crop after cotton. At less than 4,000 hectares, the area under sugar beet cultivation is very small.

Despite the investment of millions of rupees, the efficiency of each factory is much lower when compared to other countries. On average, the sugar mill runs a crushing season of fewer than 90 days and remains idle for the rest of the year, which leads to utilisation of less 25pc operational capacity. Many other sugar-producing countries run their factories more than 120-180 days a year.

In a water-scarce country like Pakistan where sugarcane is dependent on irrigation, approximately 80 acre-inch water (16-24 irrigations) is required. Water productivity for sugar is lower (300m3 per tonne of cane) than that of the world average (197m3 per tonne of cane). Sugar recovery is again one of the lowest in the world with approximately 5.5 tonnes/hectare compared to 12 t/ha in case of sugarcane in Brazil and 22 t/ha for sugar beet in California, USA. This further decreases the water productivity per kilogram of sugar production.

Pakistan has not made any serious effort to find an alternative crop that meets the country’s sugar requirements while saving water and resources

Pakistan has not made any serious effort to find an alternate crop that meets the country’s sugar requirements while saving water and resources.

Sugar beet is not a new crop in Pakistan; it was grown on a limited area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa soon after partition. There were five sugar factories having the capability of processing beets for sugar production (Khazan Sugar Mill, Mardan Sugar, Takhat Bai Sugar, Premier Sugar Mills, Saleem Sugar Mills). But few were forward looking.

It is important to mention Almoise sugar mills in DI Khan that started promoting sugar beet in 2005 with the help of a German consortium led by Strube. Trials were conducted at many places in Punjab and Sindh, which showed very promising results of higher sugar contents and a short duration of the crop — 180 days. Also, a fact-finding mission from the German government and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority concluded suitability of sugar beet to supplement sugar production in Pakistan.

Two places in South Punjab, Layyah and Bhakkar districts, have grown beet sugar successfully. The data from trials suggests that Pakistan’s climatic conditions in various parts of the country are suitable for sugar beet production. However, the missing link is the lack of processing capability of existing sugar mills. The sugar beet processing requires diffuser technology that can enhance the productivity of existing sugar mills. Due to the lack of clear government policy and longer-term planning, the processing of beet sugar never took off.

Sugarcane production has witnessed one crisis or another for years due to various socio-economic and political reasons. Climate change and water scarcity also threaten sugarcane farmers. According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan, sugarcane cultivation has already been reduced by 20pc in 2018-19 due to water shortage.

Furthermore, the cultivation of high delta crops are being discouraged at different forums to combat food security. As sugar is considered an energy source, perhaps the only source of instant energy for poor populations, sugar production must not be compromised.

Beet sugar, being a low delta crop, has been suggested as a supplement to sugarcane for sugar production. Never­theless, industrial adaption in Pakistan is still static mainly due to the poor response of the sugar producing industry.

Various studies have comprehensively concluded that beet sugar production is more effective and environment friendly, and can provide a similar profit to the sugar industry. As sugar beet is a short duration crop, it would enable farmers to grow other crops during the year. This would improve per acre income of farmers and increase efficiency of water usage. Considering the available and predicted water reservoirs in Pakistan, there is a great need that government must take measures to supplement the industry with beet sugar.

Another aspect of sugar beet production which has rarely been reported in Pakistan is the utilisation of marginal lands under saline sodic conditions. Sugar beet is among salt loving crops and the challenge of increasing salinity in soil can be converted into an opportunity. Sugar beet needs salt for better growth. In countries like United Kingdom where there is less indigenous salt in soil, sodium salts are added in fertilisers to enhance sugar beet production.

Sugar beet plants enhance soil quality by possible salt removal through leaves and keep the soil under vegetative cover. Land abandoned due to salt can be utilised for sugar beet production.

Since the sugarcane is a seasonal crop, adding sugar beet to the existing mix would double the operational days for the sugar factory, thus improving capital utilisation and increasing profits.

Dr Abdul Wakeel is the president of Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum and Dr. Khalid Mahmood works in Rothamsted Research, United Kingdom

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, July 6th, 2020