(Economics of Sugar Cane Production and Marketing in Qena Governorate )

Sugarcane is considered one of the pillars of plant-based industries, serving as the foundation for numerous integrated industrial sectors. In Egypt, sugarcane is the primary source of sugar production, which is a vital and essential nutrient for humans. It is also used in the production of molasses, a popular and nutritious food among low-income populations due to its high nutritional value, particularly its rich content of iron and vitamin b. Moreover, sugarcane is a significant crop in terms of cultivated area, both nationally and especially in Upper Egypt. It plays a crucial role in providing employment opportunities, as its agricultural processes are labor-intensive and cannot be completed without human effort. The majority of sugarcane farmers rely on the income generated from this crop to meet their seasonal needs. Regarding the study of the relative importance of production indicators for sugarcane in Egypt’s main producing governorates, the findings revealed the following: Qena governorate ranked first among the main producing governorates during the average period (2006–2023) in terms of cultivated area, representing approximately 38.71% of the annual average cultivated area during the study period. It also ranked first in terms of average yield per feddan, reaching about 49.28 tons per feddan during the same period. Consequently, Qena governorate held the top position in total sugarcane production, contributing around 39.48% of the average total production during the study period. The goal is to bridge the gap between local sugar production and consumption, as well as to support industries that rely on sugar crops. Based on the study’s findings, the following key recommendations are proposed: Agricultural & economic recommendations: Increase the farm-gate price per ton of sugarcane to reflect rising production costs and align with prices of competing crops. Develop an executive plan to address soil fertility degradation and improve irrigation and drainage systems in sugarcane fields. Implementing an Extension and Training Program for Sugarcane Farmers and Emphasizing the Importance of Regular Extension Seminars and Activating the Role of Agricultural Extension Services to Present Recommendations for Improving Sugarcane Yield per Feddan.