(a) According to a newspaper report published in September 2023 India, the world's biggest sugar producer after Brazil, banned mills from exporting sugar during the current season October 1, 2023. This is the first sugar export curb in seven years. New Delhi allowed mills to export only 6.1 million metric tonnes of sugar during the last season, nearly half of the country's total shipment in 2021-22. Sugar output during the next 2024-25 season is likely to fall to 32 million metric tonnes from this year's 34 million tonnes due to the adverse impact of last year's patchy rains in Maharashtra and Karnataka states, the sources said.

(i) Is the government going to continue the ban on exports? Give reasons to support your answer.

(ii) How would 'patchy rains' impact the crop?

(b) What purpose does the ban on sugar export serve?

(c) In the subsequent year (2024) there was heavy rainfall and flooding. What would be the impact of this on sugar production in 2025-26? Do you think the ban would be lifted? Why?

(d) What would be the impact of this ban on the global market? Give reasons.

The cotton textile industry is the highest employment generator amongst the agro-based industries in India. The growth of this industry is mainly in the Gujarat-Maharashtra belt. Mr. Rahat, a rich industrialist wants to invest his money in this industry.

(a) Which are the most important factors which have led Mr. Rahat to invest in the industry?

(b) Where would you advise him to set up his unit?

(c) List any three problems of this industry. How would you advise Mr. Rahat to tackle them?

(d) Is there an alternate industry that can be set up in this belt? What is it? Compare the profitability of both.

Ramesh lived in a town far away from the city. He inherited a fortune from his uncle and started an agro-based manufacturing unit in his town. His manufacturing plant had all the modern equipment and produced quality products. Still his unit ran into losses. What could be the reasons for it?

Your cousin who lives in Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh wants to start a sugar mill. He wants you to advice him on the feasibility of starting a sugar mill in the area, based on the location, availability of resources, transport and market for selling the manufactured products. What would you suggest to your cousin?