The Study of Sugarcane Cultivation in Pune District (M.S.): A Geographical Analysis (2011-2021)

Abstract The present study focuses on the spatial and temporal analysis of sugarcane cultivation in Pune district, Maharashtra, during the period 1991 to 2011. The research aims to understand the changing patterns of sugarcane area, its regional distribution, and the geographical factors influencing its growth. The study is based on secondary data collected from the Socio-Economic Abstracts and Agricultural Department reports of Pune district. The findings reveal that the total area under sugarcane cultivation increased substantially from 65,628 hectares in 1991 to 1,36,450 hectares in 2011, registering an overall growth of 70,822 hectares. The eastern and southeastern tahsils — particularly Indapur, Shirur, Baramati, and Daund — recorded significant expansion due to the availability of irrigation facilities from the Bhima and Nira river systems, fertile black soils, and the presence of cooperative sugar factories. Conversely, western tahsils such as Velhe, Mulshi, Mawal, and Bhor experienced limited growth because of hilly terrain, uneven rainfall, and limited irrigation infrastructure, while Haveli tahsil showed a decline due to urbanization and industrial development. The study concludes that the distribution and growth of sugarcane cultivation in Pune district are primarily controlled by irrigation, topography, and the cooperative sugar industry, but regional disparities persist between irrigated and rainfed zones. The research emphasizes the need for sustainable water management, crop diversification, and balanced agricultural development to ensure long-term productivity and socio-economic stability in the region.