Sugar cane

cpc code 01802 covers the production of sugar cane, a vital agricultural commodity that plays a crucial role in the global food and energy industries. As a major source of sucrose, sugar cane is an essential raw material for the manufacture of refined sugar, molasses, and biofuels. The sugar cane industry is a significant contributor to the economies of many countries, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where the crop thrives.

Sugar cane production involves a series of well-established agricultural practices. The crop is typically grown from vegetative cuttings, known as 'setts', which are planted in rows and allowed to germinate and develop into mature stalks. Depending on the region, sugar cane may be harvested manually or using specialized mechanical harvesters. After harvesting, the cane is transported to processing facilities where it is crushed to extract the sugar-rich juice, which is then refined and processed into various end products.

The primary inputs required for sugar cane production include fertile agricultural land, water for irrigation, and specialized farming equipment such as plows, planters, and harvesters. Additionally, the industry relies on a range of agricultural inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to ensure optimal crop growth and yield. The processing of sugar cane into refined sugar and other products also requires industrial machinery, energy sources, and a skilled workforce.

The primary output of the sugar cane industry is refined sugar, which is widely used in the food and beverage industries 15831 Sugar. Other key outputs include molasses, a byproduct of sugar refining that is used in the production of 11071 Ethanol and animal feed, as well as bagasse, the fibrous residue left after the extraction of sugar, which can be used as a renewable fuel source or in the manufacture of 16101 Pulp, paper and paperboard.