SOCIO ECONOMIC IMPACT OF SUGAR FACTORIES ON RURAL AREAS OF SOLAPUR DISTRICT A GEOGRAPHCAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Indian industries are largely agro based. Land is the main capital of the country and agriculture is the main occupation. About 70 percent of the population still depends upon agriculture. The raw material for the industry is derived largely through agriculture. Obviously more stress is given on commercial crops. It resulted into increase in the production of commercial crops like Cotton, Tobacco, Turmeric, Jute, Grapes, and Sugarcane. Sugarcane is one of the important commercial crops. newlineIndustry is the second important source of income after agriculture in India. As such the Industrial scenario of the country is changing rapidly, in which Agro-based industries are predominant. Among Agro-based industries sugar Industry ranks second after textile industry. As a policy matter, the Government of India has paid more attention towards sugar industry by providing incentives to states to established sugar factories, especially through co-operative sector. Incentives were in the form of financial assistance and heavy taxes were imposed on imported sugar and technical know-how s. The sugar industry in India has all the possibilities of changing the very face of rural India. newlineIn fact development of agro industries has played a crucial role in the economic development of Maharashtra state. Sugar industry being an agro-based industry is an old industry in Maharashtra. Sugar industries have strengthened the economy states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Especially in Maharashtra sugar factories have helped to improve the rural economy and well spread out industrial structure. They have comprehensively affected the development newline