{
  "id": 8587953,
  "title": "Sugarcane turned bitter for thousands of farmers in North Andhra districts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/sugarcane-turned-bitter-for-thousands-of-farmers-in-north-andhra",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-20T02:19:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/sugarcane-turned-bitter-for-thousands-of-farmers-in-north-andhra-districts/article71484443.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "North Andhra farmers face reduced sugarcane cultivation due to the closure of four sugar factories, causing significant economic hardship. The three sugar factories in Vizianagaram, Parvatipuram, and Srikakulam districts, along with the Amadalavalasa factory, have ceased operations, forcing farmers to abandon sugarcane in favor of alternative crops. The closure of these factories stems from the lack of sugarcane for crushing, mounting losses, and the absence of new technology for ethanol and other allied products production. The demise of the Bhimasingi sugar factory in 2019 and the NCS Group factory in 2020 has left thousands of farmers without a reliable source of income. Private sugar factories have provided some relief, but the potential closure of the Sankili E.I.D.Parry India Limited factory poses further challenges for the local agricultural community.",
  "summary": "The farmers used to grow sugarcane in 35000 acres till about a few years ago in Vizianagaram district.",
  "key_points": [
    "Four sugar factories in North Andhra closed, impacting 1,000+ farmers",
    "Sugarcane cultivation reduced due to factory closures and lack of sugarcane",
    "Private factories offer relief, but Sankili factory closure looms"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The closure of sugar factories in North Andhra districts shifts the local agricultural economy away from sugarcane, forcing farmers to opt for alternative crops and heightening economic hardship.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}