Question
Here is the question : ON WHAT CONTINENT WAS SUGARCANE ORIGINALLY CULTIVATED?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Australia
- Asia
- North America
- Africa
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
Sugarcane is the crop that produces the largest yield when measured in terms of weight. The tropical grass was originally found in Asia, and it was in India around 400 BCE when the method of obtaining sugar from the grass was invented. Sugarcane, which is grown in tropical and subtropical locations all over the world, today accounts for more than sixty percent of the world’s total sugar production.
Sugarcane, a sweet and versatile crop, originally found its roots in the continent of Asia. With a history dating back thousands of years, sugarcane has played a significant role in shaping cultures, economies, and trade routes across the region. The cultivation and refinement of sugarcane in Asia laid the foundation for its global spread and enduring popularity.
The precise origins of sugarcane cultivation can be traced to Southeast Asia, specifically Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. It is believed that the indigenous peoples of these regions were the first to domesticate sugarcane around 8,000 years ago. These early cultivators recognized the plant’s sweetness and began experimenting with its cultivation and the extraction of juice.
From its humble beginnings, sugarcane cultivation gradually spread throughout Asia. It found fertile grounds in countries such as India, China, and Persia (modern-day Iran), where favorable climates and agricultural expertise allowed for its successful cultivation. Over time, these regions became renowned for their sugarcane production, developing advanced techniques for extraction and processing.
India played a particularly crucial role in the history of sugarcane. The country became a hub for sugarcane cultivation and refining, with the knowledge and techniques spreading to other parts of Asia. Indian traders and merchants introduced sugarcane to other regions, including the Middle East, Africa, and the Mediterranean. This dissemination of sugarcane cultivation accelerated its global spread, transforming it into a highly sought-after commodity.
The expansion of sugarcane cultivation in Asia coincided with the rise of ancient civilizations and trade networks. As sugarcane became increasingly valued for its sweetness and versatility, it gained prominence in the economies and cultures of various Asian societies. It served as a source of food, a sweetener, and a basis for the production of traditional beverages, such as sugarcane juice and palm wine.
sugarcane played a significant role in the development of Asian industries. The extraction and refinement of sugarcane juice into raw sugar or crystallized sugar became a thriving trade. Skilled artisans and craftsmen perfected the techniques for refining sugarcane, creating a variety of sugar products that fueled local and international commerce.
Over time, the demand for sugarcane grew, leading to the establishment of large-scale plantations and the introduction of labor-intensive methods, such as slavery and indentured labor. The expansion of sugarcane cultivation in Asia, particularly in countries like India and Indonesia, witnessed the rise of vast sugarcane plantations that supplied the growing demand for sugar in domestic and international markets.
The arrival of European colonial powers in Asia further transformed the sugarcane industry. European powers, such as the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, recognized th