Question

Which is the leading district of sugarcane production in Karnataka?
A. Belgavi
B. Uttara Kannada
C. Dakshina Kannada
D. Udupi

Answer 1

Hint: Sugar cane and sugar beets are the major sources of sugar worldwide, and 60% of the sugar produced in the world can only be obtained from sugar cane. Asia is the leading sugar producer. India ranks first among sugarcane growing countries in area and production.

Complete Answer:
Sugarcane is mainly treated for its juice from which sugar is processed. Most of the world's sugar is grown in subtropical and tropical areas. The plant is also grown for biofuel production, especially in Brazil, as the cans can be used directly to produce ethyl alcohol. The by-products of processing cane sugar, namely straw and bagasse can be used to produce cellulosic ethanol, a second-generation biofuel. Other sugarcane products include molasses, rum, etc. and the plant itself can be used as straw and livestock feed.
In India Karnataka ranks third in sugarcane production after Uttar Pradesh and comes second after Maharashtra in terms of sugar recovery. Sugarcane is grown in 16 districts of Karnataka including of Belgavi, Bagalkot, Bijapur, Mandya, Mysore, Chamrajnagar and Bidarimo. Among these, Belgavi is the highest producer. These areas have favorable agricultural conditions and conditions advantageous and suitable for sugarcane growing soil.
Therefore the correct answer is Option A: Belgavi.

Note: The Karnataka sugar industry has 41 sugar factories being distributed across the country. Karnataka sugar industry has helped India meet its sugar requirements. The Karnataka Sugar Industry provides about `36 crore per annum to the state exchequer in the middle income. It also provides more than 900 crore in the form of income tax and sales tax on state grants.