CHAPTER XIII. 

 SUGAR CANE 



Origin and History. — " Sugar cane was first grown in 

 Southern Asia, whence it spread into Africa and later into 

 America. The original habitat of the species is not definitely 

 known, but is believed to have been in India, Cochin-China 

 and the Malay Archipelago. It is at present cultivated in all 

 the warm regions of the world." 



Sugar cane was first grown for commercial purposes in 

 Natal about 1850, but there is evidence that it was grown by 

 the natives before this. In 1859 the crop was fast becoming 

 an important one, native labour was found unsatisfactory and 

 the Government of the day legalised the importation of coolies 

 from India. 



Production. — In 1862, 846 tons were exported from 

 Natal, but until recently comparatively little has been 

 exported. In 1917-18 the total area under cultivation was 

 184,213 acres. During 1916-17 there were 163,000 acres culti- 

 vated and the value of the production of the sugar mills and 

 refineries was ^3,134,424. In 1919, 180,000 tons of sugar 

 were produced, and the value of sugar and sugar products 

 exported was £488,000. 



In 1917 the following by-products were obtained : — 



Natalite 1,004,360 proof gallons. 



Syrup 1,600 tons. 



Treacle and molasses . 2,366 tons. 



Hitherto the annual production has not equalled the local 

 consumption. In 1918, 17,000 tons were imported, but in 

 1919, 19,000 tons were exported. It is anticipated that suffi- 

 cient can easily be produced for local requirements. The 

 industry is at present protected by a tax on foreign sugar. 



216 



