This paper analyses the relationship between productivity and profitability of sugarcane cultivation by using state-wise data covering the period of 1973-74 and 2014-15. The descriptive, correlation and regression analyses have been carried out to study the relationship. Descriptive analysis shows that the real value of human labour cost incurred for cultivating sugarcane was found to be high in Tamil Nadu state as compared to other states selected for the analysis. Further, correlation analysis reveals bullock labour cost and yield enhancing input costs, which are positively correlated among the selected variables specifically in Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka states. Finally, the result of regression analysis carried out by using yield enhancing input cost suggests that it plays a dominant role in increasing the productivity of sugarcane, which in turn enhances profitability except Karnataka state for the entire period of analysis