Sugar has become an indispensable part of our lives. Every day we consume sugar in one or the other way. It has almost become synonymous with sweetness. We call it sugar, and in chemical
terms, it is known as ‘sucrose.’ Since the world likes sugar for its sweetness; some plants are grown commercially to extract the sugar, among which sugarcane is very prominent.
Sugar is a significant source of energy, as well.
The history of sugar comprises many layers, but some plant remnants suggest that sugar evolution has a link to South East Asia. Though, still, people are researching deeply to find the truth.
If we go with the present pieces of evidence, the origin can be dated back to 8000 BC. It is said that about some 3500 years back, the crop was widespread near the Indian and Eastern Pacific Oceans.
Although chemically refined sugar got its existence near about 2500 years ago. Then the technique got new places like China and Persia. Later the Portuguese found Brazil to be the place where they
could carry out refinement on a large scale. Here they established a slave-based economy. After that, near 1647, sugarcane was introduced in the Caribbean, which ultimately led it to Western Europe.
Later sugar culture slowly found grounds in other parts of the world as well. If we see sugar in the Indian context, then one can find its mention in the Atharva Veda as well.
Worldwide
A report says that sugar is the third most valuable crop in the world after cereals and rice. Sugar production is rapidly growing, and reports suggest that countries like India, EU, Brazil,
and Thailand together account for more than 50% of sugar production globally. An interesting fact is that India is the largest sugar consuming country and 2nd largest producer of this sweet
product. Since Brazil has been the center for sugar production for ages, it still tops the chart in sugar production.
Indian
According to a report, the Indian sugar industry will dominate the world market shortly. Most probably, in the year 2020-21, India will produce approximately 30 million tonnes of sugar.
Few reports suggest that the sugar industry in India supports more than five crore sugarcane farmers, which is a considerable number itself. On the other hand, the World Sugar Organisation
is also expecting a decent growth in India’s sugar production. A news report also draws our attention to the fact that during the year 2019-20, India had become the largest exporter.
Apart from the sweetness and taste, sugar is used across verticals. It is used in medicines for coating and texturing, along with adding flavour to them. It is also used in beauty products,
especially in cosmetics, due to its exfoliating properties. It is also helpful in pest control. Moreover, it is also used to make ethanol, which is an additive in gasoline. In addition to all
these uses, it applies to many other things.