ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sugarcane cultivation in India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, imposes severe pressure on freshwater resources due to its high-water demand. Treated wastewater (TWW) from sugar mills offers a sustainable alternative, aligning with circular economy principles by providing irrigation water rich in nutrients. Yet, farm-level adoption remains limited. This study investigates the factors influencing TWW adoption among 126 sugarcane farmers in Meerut district. Using a binary logistic regression model and a two-stage estimation approach, the research identifies irrigation cost as a positive driver, while high fertilizer cost and perceived crop risk act as barriers. Variables like education, income, and landholding size show no significant impact. Importantly, predicted adoption is associated with a significant increase in crop yield, reinforcing the agronomic benefits of TWW. The findings highlight those economic factors, risk perceptions, and access to infrastructure play a more critical role than basic demographics. Policy recommendations include improving infrastructure, linking TWW use with crop insurance, and strengthening farmer awareness through targeted extension services.
Keywords: Treated wastewater, sugarcane irrigation, sustainable agriculture, water reuse, circular economy, adoption barriers, farmer perception, irrigation cost, crop yield.
