Correct Answer: (b) U.P., Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana
Solution:According to data of the year 2021-22 (4ª A.E.), 8 largest sugarcane producing states are-Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Haryana and Punjab. Sugarcane has the highest production value among all commercial crops in India. It is the first choice of farmers wherever geographical conditions favour its growth. The crop is indigenous to India and belongs to the bamboo family. Thickened cane juice makes sugar, gur (jaggery), and khan sari. Two-thirds of the total cane produced in India is used for making jaggery and khan sari, and the rest goes to sugar factories. Molasses, bagasse, and press mud are the byproducts of the sugar industry. Molasses are a raw material used to manufacture alcohol (ethanol). They are also an efficient substitute for certain petroleum products. Bagasse (cane residue) is used to manufacture paper and as fuel in mills. It is more useful in paper manufacturing than as fuel. It can help save trees and be used as a soil amendment (compost) to increase soil fertility.