1.

Introduction

Sugarcane is a most important cash crop of India. It involves less risk and farmers are
assured up to some extent about return even in adverse condition. Sugarcane provides raw
material for the second largest agro-based industry after textile. The sugar industry is an
instrumental in generating the sizable employment in the rural sector directly and through its
ancillary units. It is estimated that about 50 million farmers and their dependents are engaged in
the cultivation of sugarcane and about 0.5 million skilled and unskilled workers are engaged in
sugar factories and its allied industries. The sugar industry in India has been a focal point for
socio-economic development in the rural areas by mobilizing rural resources, generating
employment and enhancing farm income. There are 716 installed sugar factories (Co-operative-
326, Private-347 & Public-43) in the country as on 31.01.2016, with sufficient crushing capacity
to produce around 330 lakh MT of sugar.

Sugarcane is the second most important industrial crop in the country is grown about
5million hectares. The growth of sugarcane agriculture in the country bad be consistent during
the past seven decades. There was increase in area, production productivity and sugar recovery.
During the period from 1930-31 to 2010-11, the area under sugarcane had gone up from 1.18
million ha to 5.0 million ha, productivity from 31 tons to 70 tons per hectare and total cane
produced from 37 million tons to 340 million tons. Current sugar production in the country is
about 24.5 million tons (Co-operative sugar 2011). Among the sugarcane growing states in India,
Tamil Nadu ranks third in area (0.37 M.ha) and production (3.5 Million tons) and first in
productivity ( 105 t/ha) and sugarcane productivity is 40% higher than the national productivity
(69.5 Vha). The area and production of sugarcane at Tamil Nadu is comparable as equal as
Australia and USA. To improve the productivity and efficiency of the sugarcane production
system, new varieties and technologies were introduced in the state to shift the productivity
horizon. Never the less, the yield scenario did not change much and become cyclical and uneven
up to 1999, however, new noble variety (Co 86032 )was introduced in the state, then the yield
was increased significantly. Hence, to identify the different factors responsible for the
productivity growth, this study was undertaken with panel data to estimate technical change,
efficiency change and total factor productivity of sugarcane production system of the state.
2. Sugarcane in India

In India, sugarcane is an important cash crop, and second-largest agro-based industry

after textile industry with a total cultivated area of 47.3 lakh hectare (ha) and 3769 lakh tons of
yearly production, which employs too many engaged in cane cultivation and its industry (FAO
2020). During the years 2017-2018, it shared around 35.14 of the total value of agriculture
production (FAO 2020). Per serving of sugarcane juice (28.35 gram sg) contain 111.13 kilo Jules
(kJ) (26.56 kcal kilo calorie) of energy, 27.51 g of carbohydrates, 0.27 g of protein, 11.23
milligram smg (1%) of calcium (Ca), 0.37 mg (3%) of iron (Fe), 41.96 mg (1%) of potassium
(K), and 17.01 mg (1%) of sodium (Na) (Nutrient Information from ESHA Research) so quite
useful for the human nutrition. Juice's sugars and non-sugars can indicate the quality of the juice
in sugarcane. High sucrose, high purity, low fiber, and low non-sugars are some characteristics
of canes for the high recovery of sugar. Crystal shape, reducing sugar levels, color, and
filterability are differential quality parameters of the canes, while other factors which could
involve in deciding the sugar contents are a selection of proper varieties, adopted harvested
practices, delays in the harvest to crush, disease and pest attack, and integrated soil test based
fertilization are imperative factors affecting juice quality (Wood 1982; Xiao et al. 2017).
Chemical class of cane juice like sucrose content and non-sucrose parameters that can affect
sugar recovery in the processing stream can dírectly be impacted by the soil textural class and
fertilizer management (Wood 1982). In this review, stress being rewarded to the balanced use of
different.

2.1. Nutrient Uptake in Sugarcane viz-a-viz Climatic Conditions

Climatic conditions are an essential factor for deciding the nutrient requirements of the
sugarcane. The drier weather conditions with low humidity, bright sunshine hours, cooler nights
with wide diurnal variations, and very little rainfall during ripening period are some required
weather factors for having decent Brix and cane yields. Being a Tropical plant," sugarcane is
grown from latitude 36.7°N and 31.0°S, from sea level to 1 kilometer (km) of altitude. Being a
long duration crop worth from 10 to 12 months, it faces all the seasons equipped with different
rainfalls and temperatures during its life cycle. Around 6350 mega joule (MJ) m of total
radiations are received yearly by whole cane crop, out of which the canopy intercepted about
60% of the radiation. Further, Ramanujam and Venkataramana (1999) delineate a good
co-relation (R = 0.913) between intercepted active solar radiations and yields. In sugarcane, a
rough estimate delineates that sunlight, wind, and air temperature will be responsible for water
loss in terms of 80, 14, and 6%. Respectively, which must be cut and diverted to transpiration for
overall having higher production (Chauhan 2019). Further, high-speed winds cause lodging and
cane breakage. In general, the following climatic variables affect sugarcane.

2.2. Relative Humidity

High humidity (80-85%), particularly during the grand growth stage, favors the rapid
cane elongation. A moderate value of 45-65% during the ripening phase, coupled with limited
water supply, is favorable for potential yields. Major Sugarcane Growing States Sugarcane is
grown in various states in subtropical and tropical regions of the country. Main sugarcane
growing States are:

a) Sub Tropical: Uttar Pradesh. Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, Bihar with an annual rainfall of
180 to 2000 mn. The climate ranges from humid, moist sub-humid and dry sub-humid to cold
arid, semiarid and arid.

b) Tropical region: Karnataka. Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh. Gujarat, Madhya
Pradesh with an annual rainfall! Of 602 to 3640 mm having moist to dry sub humid and semi-
arid to dry semi-arid climates.

3. Important Regions/Zones for Sugarcane Cultivation in India:

Broadly there are two distinct agro-climatic regions of sugarcane cultivation in India, viz
tropical and subtropical. Tropical region shared about 45% and 55% of the total sugarcane area
and production in the country, respectively. Sub-tropical region accounted for about 55% and
45% of total area and production of sugarcane, respectively.
3.1 Tropical Sugarcane Region

The tropical sugarcane region includes the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and
Tamil Nadu. Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Pondicherry and Kerala, The coastal
areas of A.P. and Tamil Nadu have high sugarcane productivity. Floods, water logging and
diseases such as red rot are the main problems, in the tropical region climatic conditions are
more favorable for its growth. It is cultivated with better package of practices and higher
irrigation levels, the growing season is long with more equitable and favorable conditions
without serious weather extremes. Being a tropical country, the agro-climatic conditions of
tropical India favor higher sugarcane and sugar vials. The tropical region contributes about S5
per cent to the total cane production in the country. The average cane yields of the major states
of the region including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu. Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat is
around 80 tons per hectare. Maharashtra and the adjoining area of Karnataka. Gujarat and A.P.
record higher sugar recovery. Long hours of sunshine, cool nights with clear skies and the
latitudinal position of this area are highly favorable for sugar accumulation. Moisture stress
during the early part of the cane growths mostly during March to June is a major constraint in the
state of Maharashtra & other part of region lacking perennial source of irrigation.

3.2 Sub-tropical Sugarcane Region

Around 55 per cent of total cane area in the country is in the sub-tropics. U.P, Bihar,
Haryana and Punjab comes under this region. Extremes of climate is the characteristic feature of
this region. During April to June, the weather is very hot and dry. July to October is rainy season
accounting for most of the rainfall from South-West monsoon rains. December and January are
the very cold month’s temperature touching sub-zero levels in many places. November to March
are cool months with clear sky. The cane yield is lower in the subtropics due to various reasons
viz, short growing season, high temperature disparity besides other factors like moisture stress,
pest and disease problem, floods and water logging and very poor ratoons. The average yield of
the four major states (U.P, Bihar, Punjab and Haryana) is around 60 tons per hectare. However,
there is considerable potential to be exploited).
4. Area, Production & Yield of Sugarcane

Area, production & yield of sugarcane in major States during last 6 years & current year
is at Annexure I. State wise normal area. Production & yield of sugarcane is at Annexure II.
Area, Production & yield of major sugarcane countries during 2010 to 2014 is at Annexure III.

5. Varieties:

The ruling varieties of sugarcane in different States arc given as under:

Andhra Pradesh:

Early varieties: Co.6907, 84A125, 81A99, 83A30. 85A261, 87A298, Co.8014,

86V96. 91V83.
Mid-late Varieties: COA7607, cO8021. COT.8201, Co7805, COV92102 (83V15).
83V288.
Late varieties: Co.7219, CoR8001, 87A380, Co7706

Bihar:

Bo 99, CoP 9301. CoSe 9823 1, CoS 8436, Cos 95255, Bo 102, Bo 91, Bo

110, CoP 9206, CoSe 95422, CoSe 92423, UP 9530.

Gujarat:

Co 86002, Co 86032, CoSi 95071, Co 86249, CoN 05072.

Haryana:

CoJ 64, CoS 8436, CoS 88230, CoS 767.

Karnataka:

Co 94012, CoC 671, Co 92020, Co 8014, Co 86032, Co 62175, Co

Maharashtra:

CoC 671, Co 86032, Co 8011, Co 94012, CoM 265, Co 92005.

 Odisha:

Co 62175, CoA 89085, Co 87A298, Co86V96

Punjab:

CoJ 85, CoJ 88, CoS8436, CoH 119, Co89003.

Tamil Nadu:

Co 94012, Co 94010, CoC 24.

Uttar Pradesh:

CoS 8436, Coj 64, CoS88230, CoS 9823 1. CoS 767, CoS 8432.

CoPt 90223, CoS 92423, CoS97264, CoLk 8102.

Uttrakhand:

CoS 8436, CoS 88230, Cos 767, CoS 97264, CoSe 92423

6. Temperature Requirement for Different Growth Stages of Sugarcane

S.No Critical Stages of Max.Temp.(oC) Min.Temp.(oC) Relative Humidity (%)

Sugarcane
1 Germination 32.0 20.0 -
2 Tillering 35.0 18.0 -
3 Grand growth 30.0 14.0 80.85
4 Ripening 30.0 20.0 50-55
7. Soil

Heavy soils with good drainage are preferred for sugarcane cultivation, though it grows
well on medium & light-textured soils also with Assured irrigation. Soils with 0.5 0.6 % carbon
content N pH 6.5 to 7.5 are most suitable for sugarcane growth. In northern India, it is cultivated
largely on the loams & clay loamy of Giangetic & other alluviums, and in peninsular India, it is
grown on brown or reddish loams, laterites and black cotton soils.

8. State and Season Wise Time of Sowing and Harvesting

Sugarcane take generally one year to mature in sub-tropical states (U.P., Punjab,
Haryana, Bihar etc.) called "Eksali" however in some tropical states it matures in 1% months
(Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra etc.) called "Adsali". In India, the planting seasons of
sugarcane in different States is given at Annexure-IV.

9. Method of planting:

Sugarcane can be planted as per the recommendation for the region i.e. autumn planting
(15 Sept. to Oct.) and Spring Planting (Feb. to March). Improved method of planting should be
adopted like, deep furrow, trench methods, ring pit method and paired row method instead of
furrow system.

10. Seeding technologies:

Seed rate:

Seed rate in sugarcane varies from region to region. Generally higher seed rate are used
in north western India (Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan) because of the lower germination
percent and also adverse climatic condition (very hot weather with desiccating winds) during
tillering phase. A northern region seed rate generally varies from 40,000 to 60,000 three budded
setts per hectares while in southern region it range between 25,000 and 40.000 three budded
setts.

Row spacing:

Effect of row spacing from 45 to 120 cm has been tried on growth, yield and quality of
sugarcane. Optimum inter rows spacing range between 60-100 cm under different situation and
location.

Depth:

About 80% of the sugarcane roots go up to a depth 60 cm. Hence deep ploughing of
sugarcane fields is necessary. Initially one or two deep ploughings with tractor drawn disc
plough or mold board plough or animal drawn mold board plough have to be done at least to a
depth of 30 cm. This has to be followed by ploughing with other light tillage implements.

11. Water management

In sugarcane, maintenance of optimum soil moisture during all stages of crop growth is
one of the essential requisites for obtaining high yield. The crop should, therefore, be grown in
areas of well-distributed rainfall or under assured and adequate irrigation. In tropical India, total
water requirement of the crop for optimum growth varies from 2000 to 3000 mm inclusive of
rainfall. The requirement of an adsali crop is proportionately higher (3200 to 3500 mm).
In sub-tropical India, the water requirement is 1400-1800 mm. In tropical area, irrigations are to
be given once in 7 days during germination phase (1 -35 days after planting), once in 10 days
during tillering phase (36 – 100 days after planting), again once in 7 days during grand growth
phase (101 -270 days after planting) and once in 15 days during maturity phase (271 days after
planting up to harvest) adjusting it to the rain fall pattern of the area. About 30 to 40 irritations
are needed. About 250 tons of water is needed to produce one ton of sugarcane, Methods like
alternate furrow irrigation, drip irrigation and trash mulching could be of use to economize
irrigation water during water scarcity periods. Foliar spraying of n solution containing 2.5% urea
and 2.5% muriatic of potash 3 or 4 times at fortnight intervals during drought periods would help
to reduce the impact of drought on the crop, Critical stages are those during which sugarcane is
affected severely due to water stress and the loss cannot be restituted by adequate water supply at
later stages, These stages are: sprouting (germination), formative stage or leering ripening and
initiation of sprouting in ratoons. In case of limited water availabılity, one may sustain sugarcane
productivity by irrigating at critical stages of growth.

12. Fertilizer Requirement

The nitrogen requirement of sugarcane depends upon the soil & climate. It ranges from
150 kg/ha in Uttar Pradesh to 270 kg/ha in Tamil Nadu and 300 to 500 kg ha in Maharashtra &
Karnataka. Nitrogen is given in the form of urea applied one-third at planting & the remaining
two-thirds in 2 equal splits at tillering & at the commencement of grand growth stage. The
fertilizers may also be applied as basal dose through diammonium phosphate to supply full P &
part of N. The phosphorous is required at 40-60 kg of P, Oş/ha. The response of sugarcane to
potassium has been obtained only in localized pockets of light soils. Nowadays deficiency of
sulphur is constantly increasing in Indian soils & it has become a limiting factor in sugarcane
culture. In marginally deficient soils, the application of 40-60 kg S/ha has been found to be
useful. 20-30 kg ZnSo/ha and FYM/Compost of 10 tons/ha may be applied.

13. Weed Management in Pure Crop of Sugarcane

Spray Atrazine 2 kg or oxyfluorfen 750 ml/ha mixed in 500 liter of water as pre

i. Emergence herbicide on the 3rd day of planting, using deflector or fan type nozzle.
ii. If pre-emergence spray is not carried out, go in for post-emergence spray of gramoxone
2.5 liter + 2, 4-D sodium salt 2.5 kg/ha in 500 liter of water on 21st day of planting.
iii. If the parasitic weed striga is a problem, post-emergence application of 2, 4-D sodium
salt @ 1.25 kg/ha in 500 liter of water/ha may be done. 2, 4-D spraying should be
avoided when neighboring crop is cotton or bhindi.
iv. Apply 20% urea also for the control of striga as direct spray.
v. Pre- plant application of glyphosate at 2.0 kg/ha along with 2% ammonium sulphate at 21
days before planting of sugarcane followed by post emergence direct spraying of
 glyphosate at 2.0 kg/ha along with 2% ammonium sulphate with a special hood on 30
DAP suppressed the nut sedges (Cyperus rotundas) and provided weed free
environment.
vi. If herbicide is not applied work the junior-hoe along the ridges on 25, 5S and 85 days
after planting for removal of weeds and proper stirring.
vii. Remove the weeds along the furrows with hand hoe. Otherwise operate power tiller fitted
with types for inter cultivation. Weed management in Sugarcane intercropping system
Pre-emergence application of Thiobencarb @ 1.25 kg ai/ha under intercropping
system in Sugarcane with Soybean, black gram or groundnut gives effective weed
control.

15. Constraints in sugarcane cultivation

a) Sub-tropical Region: Long winters, low Sun shine hours, high temperature disparity.
Lack of Carlyle maturing high sucrose varieties. Poor ratoon management, late planting, water
logging, imbalance use of fertilizer, incidence of disease and pests, inadequate availability of
quality seed, etc.

b) Tropical Region: Lack of irrigation in many states, inadequate availability of quality

seed, incidence of disease and pests, poor ratoon management, etc.

16. Strategies for increasing production and productivity of sugarcane

Sugarcane is long duration crop maturing in 12-14 months. The planting method vary
place to place, therefore, the states has to encourage optimum use of water & space. Due to long
crop duration inter cropping is a major tool to enhance higher returns to the farmers. The main
strategies for increasing production and productivity of sugarcane in the country are as under:

i. Popularization of new varieties by providing support for breeder seed production.

ii. Thrust for transfer of technologies through demonstration and training of farmers and
extension workers.
 iii. Production of quality planting materials including tissue culture plantlets.
iv. Training to the field functionary & farmers for popularizing various technology including
ratoon Management
v. Demonstration on intercropping
vi. Establishment of bio-agent and tiusse culture labs.
vii. The states have flexibility to take support for sugarcane development for any
recommended/proven technology /inputs under RKVY.

17. Researchable and Developmental issues:

Following are the major researchable issues:

i. Development of high yielding & high sugar varieties.

ii. Area specific package of practices for popularizing the intercropping module in
sugarcane based cropping system.
iii. Assessment and refinement of agro-techniques for sustainable farming system and
management of sugarcane under late planting situation.
iv. Development of module for controlling shoot borers, pyrilla, white grub and
mealy bug in sugarcane.
v. Designing, developing and sugarcane harvester suited in Indian conditions
particularly economical for small holdings.

Developmental issue:

i. Strengthening of seed production programme.

ii. Cluster approach in Transfer of Technology with modern tools.

18. Technical interventions under Promotion

 On Farm Water Management (OFWM) component of National Mission for Sustainable

Agriculture (NMSA) provided support for propagation of micro irrigation system like
 drip irrigation, rain-gun sprinkler and adoption of improved method of irrigation i.e.
furrow and skip furrow irrigation instead of flood irrigation in crops including sugarcane.
 Strengthening of seed production programmed through tissue culture, single eye bud and
poly bag technology, chip bud method, etc. under NFSM.
 Introduction of partial mechanization so as to reduce cost of cultivation under
Government of India schemes.
 Popularization of inter-cropping of sugarcane with wheat, oilseeds, vegetables, pulses,
etc.
 Transfer of innovative bud chip technology through demonstration on the farmer’s field,
training etc.

19. Sugarcane Development Programmes

a) Background of Sugarcane Schemes

The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare has implemented

sugarcane development programme under Centrally Sponsored scheme of Sustainable
Development of Sugarcane Based Cropping System (SUBACS) under the Macro Management
Mode in Agriculture (MMA) scheme up to 2012-13. The Scheme was shifted under Rashtriya
Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) during 2013-14.

b) National Food Security Mission - Commercial Crops ((NESM-CC- Sugarcane

From 2014-15. Government has approved implementation of sugarcane development

programme under NFSM-CC in 13 States (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka,
Madhya Pradesh. Maharashtra, Orissa, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telengana. Uttar Pradesh and
Uttarakhand). Under this scheme thrust has been given on transfer of technology through
frontline demonstrations and training in order to extend benefits to the farmers. From 2015-16,
NESM is being implemented on sharing basis between Government of India and States on 60:40
basis for general category states & 90:10 basis for North East & hilly states. However, the
Central Agencies are funded 100% by GOI. Pattern of Assistance under NFSM-CC-Sugarcane is
at Annexure-V. Allocation of funds under NFSM-Sugarcane is at Annexure-VI.
20. Products and by- products of Sugarcane

Sugarcane based Sugar industry is one of the largest and important industry in tropical
and sub-tropical countries of the world. The Sugarcane plant offers a huge potential, not only as
the sucrose of a very important food but also as a source of energy and valuable commercial
products from fermentation and chemical synthesis. Sugarcane processing is focused on the
production of cane sugar from sugarcane. Sugarcane is considered as one of the best converters
of solar energy into biomass and Sugar. Sugarcane is a rich source of food (Sucrose, jiggery and
syrups), fiber (cellulose), fodder (green top, bagasse, molasses) fuel and chemicals (Bagasse
molasses & alcohol), during the process of sugar production, the main byproduct of cane sugar
industry are Bagasse. Molasses and Press mud. The other CO-products and by products of less
commercial value are Green leaves, green tops, trash, Boiler ash and effluents generated by sugar
industry and distillery. There are many other industries which are based on sugarcane by
diversification and utilization of co-products and no ducts of the sugar industry, instead of
merely depending on production of sugar. Thus far should be for integral utilization of
sugarcane, its co products and by products to produce many value added products, to derive
maximum benefits from sugarcane crop.

Ethanol from Sugarcane

The major source of ethanol production in the country is via sugarcane-sugar-molasses

route. This provides better economy by sale of sugar and molasses becomes the by-product of the
sugar. A ton of sugarcane produces 100 kg. Sugar as well as 40 kg. Molasses; then latter will
produce about 10 liters of ethanol. On the other hand, one ton sugarcane will produce 72-75 liters
of ethanol. Likewise, a ton of molasses produces about 220-250 liters of ethanol. The 10%
blending requires about 266.50 crore liters of Ethanol. If this Ethanol is produced directly from
cane juice, around 5.08 lakh ha area under sugarcane is needed. In case (as the case today in the
country) Ethanol is produced from molasses route, about 38.07 lakh ha sugarcane area is needed.
Under molasses route, it will not affect sugar production as molasses is byproduct during
production of sugar.
21. Sugarcane Pricing Policy of the Government

 For every sugar season, the Central Government fixes the Fair and Remunerative Price
(FRP) of sugarcane (earlier called Statutory Minimum Price) having regard to the factors
mentioned in clause 3(1) of the Sugarcane (control) Order, 1966, based on the
recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and after
consultations with State Governments and other stake-holders.
 The FRP is a benchmark guaranteed price of sugarcane determined by the Central
Government below which no sugar mill can purchase sugarcane from cane growers.
 However, the State Governments of States viz. Punjab, Haryana, U.P, Utarakhand, and
Tamil Nadu announce the State Advised Prices (SAP) which is normally higher than the
FRP.
 Fixing of SAP at a price higher than FRP compounds the problem of cane price arrears.

Need based attributes for sugarcane cultivation:

Among the members of a social system some innovations diffuse from first introduction
to wide spread use in a few years where as others take more number of years. This is due to
characteristics of innovation, that affect the rate at which they diffuse and are adopted. There are
five perceived attributes of innovations in universal terms.

Relative Advantage:

It is the degree to which an innovation is perceived as being better than the idea it
supersedes. It is positively related to its rate of adoption. For example: a weedicide for sugarcane
crop was earlier used as post emergence weedicide after that pre-emergence weedicide was
invented. The use of pre-emergence weedicide was preferred as it did not allow the weeds to
grow as compared to the post emergent weedicide, which is used after the emergence of weeds
which has already incurred some loss to the crop.

Compatibility:

It is the degree to which an innovation is perceived as consistent with the existing values,
past experiences, and the need of potential adopter. The compatibility of an innovation as
perceived by members of a social system is positively related to its rate of adoption. Beef
production lack compatibility with cultural values in India. Eating food with left hand lack
compatibility with social norm as left hand is considered to be unclean. Piggery is a profitable
enterprise but it is not adopted by Brahmins and Muslims as it is not compatible with their
culture.

22. Season and Planting

Main Season:

 Early : December to January

 Mid : February to March
 Late : April to May

Special Season:

 June to July (Early varieties are suitable for special season.)

Note:

Best time to plant sugarcane in the tropical states is from January to March. The Adsali crop is
planted from July to September.

Varieties

Early Varieties:

 cO62174
 Wetland
 OC 771
 COCo71
 COC 98061
 COG 94077

Mid varieties:

 CO 6304
 COC 775
 CO 62 198
  COC 8001
 CO 85019

Late varieties:

 CO 419
 CO 6304
 COC 8201
 CO 740
 CO 62175

Pit method of sugarcane planting under drip irrigation system

23. Land Preparation

Wetland (Heavy soils): In wetlands, preparatory cultivation by ploughing the land and
bringing the soil to fine tilth could not be done.

 After harvest of the paddy crop, form irrigation and drainage channels of 40 cm depth
and 30 cm width at intervals of 6 m across the field and along the field borders.
 Form ridges and furrows with a spacing of 80 cm between rows with spade.
 Stir the furrows with hand hocks and allow the soil to weather for 4 to 5 days.

Problem soils with excessive soil moisture:

In problem soils, with excessive moisture where it is difficult to drain water, form raised
beds at 30 cm intervals with Length - 5 m, Width - 80 cm, and Height -15 cm.

Garden lands with medium and light soils:

Medium and light soil irrigated by flow or lift irrigation adopt the following:

 The initial ploughing with two disc plough followed by eight disc plough and using
cultivator for deep ploughing followed by one time operation of rotator to pulverize the
soil to get a fine tilth, free of weeds and stubbles.
 Level the field for proper irrigation.
 Open ridges and furrows at 80 cm apart with the help of victory plough or tractor drawn
ridge.
 The depth of furrow must be 20 cm.
 Open irrigation channels at 10 m intervals.

Basal Application of Organic Manures:

Preparation of reinforced compost from sugarcane trash and press mud:

Spread the sugarcane trash to a thickness of 15 cm over an area of 7 m x 3 m. Then apply

press mud over this trash to a thickness of 5 cm. Sprinkle the fertilizer mixture containing
mussoorie rock phosphate. gvpsum and urea in the ratio of 2:2:1 over these layers at the rate of
kg/100 kg of trash. Moist the trash and press mud layers adequately with water.
 Repeat this process till the entire heap rises to a height of L5 m. Use cow dung slurry
instead of water to moist the layer wherever it is available. Cover the heap with a layer of soil
and press mud at 1:1 ratio to a thickness of 15 cm.

Leave the heap as such for three months for decomposition, Moist the heap once in 15
days during rainy season, avoid moistening the heap. After three months, turn and mix the heap
thoroughly and form a heap and leave it for one more month. Then turn and mix the heap
thoroughly at the end of the fourth month. Moist the heap once in 15 days during 4th and 5th
month also. This method increases the manorial value of trash compost by increasing, N, P and
Ca content. It also brings down the C:N ratio by 10 times as compared to raw cane trash.

Basal Application of Fertilizer

 If soil test is not done, follow blanket recommendation of NPK (@ 300:100:200 kg/ha
Apply super phosphate (625 kg/ha) along the furrows and incorporate with hand hoe.
 Apply 37.5 kg Zinc sulphate/ha and 100 kg Ferrous sulphate/ha to zinc and iron deficient
soils.
 Application of sulphur in the form of Gypsum @ 500 kg ha to sulphur deficient soils to
increase the cane yield and juice quality

24. Planting

Different systems of planting is not found to influence the millable cane population,
commercial cane sugar per cent, cane and Sugar yield.

 Irrigate the furrows to form a slurry in wet land condition (Heavy soil).
 Place the setts along the centre of the furrows, accommodatıng T2 buds/meter length.
Keep the buds in the lateral position and press gently beneath the soil in the furrow.
Avoid exposure of setts to sunlight.
 Plant more setts near the channel or double row planting at every 10th row for gap filling,
at later stage. In dry/ garden land dry method of planting may be followed. First arrange
the setts along the furrows, cover the setts with soil and then irrigate.
 Distributed Setts in Field

Place the setts along the center of the furrows

 Sugarcane in ridges and furrows

25. Weed Management

Weed Management in pure crop of Sugarcane:

 Wherever weed menace is higher, one line weeding along the crop row and spade digging
of ridges have to be done on 30, 60 and 90 DAP.
 Spray Atrazine 2 kg or Oxyflurofen 750 ml/ha mixed in 600 liters of water as pre
emergence herbicide on the 3rd day of planting, using deflector or fan type nozzle fitted
with knapsack sprayer.
 The pre emergence application of atrazine @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 on 3 DAP followed by post
emergence directed application of glyphosate @ 1.0 lit ha-lon 45 DAP with hood+ one
hand weeding on 90 DAP registered the maximum cane yield.
 If pre-emergence spray is not carried out, go in for post-emergence spray of Grammaxone
liter + 2, 4-D sodium salt 2.5 kg/ha in 600 liter of water on 21st day of planting.
 If the parasitic weed striga is a problem, post-emergence application of 2, 4-D sodium
salt @ kgha in 500 litre of waterha may be done. 2, 4-D spraying should be avoided when
 neighbouring crop is cotton or bhendi. Apply 20% urea also for the control of striga as
direct spray.
 Pre- plantl application of glyphosate at 2.0 kg ha-l along with 2% ammonium sulphate at
21 davs before planting of sugarcane followed by post emergence direct spraying of
glvphosate at 2.0 kg ha-1 along with 2% ammonium sulphate with a special hood on 30
DAP Suppressed the nut sedges (Cyperus rotandus) and provided weed free environment.
 If herbicide is not applied work the junior-hoe along the ridges on 25, 55 and 85 days
after planting for removal of weeds and proper stirring. Remove the weeds along the
furrows with hand hoe. Otherwise operate power tiller fitted with tynes for inter
cultivation.
 Control of creeper weeds post emergence directed application of fernoxone (2, 4 –D
sodium salt) @ 2 gm + 10 gm of urea per liter of water may be sprayed over the creeper
weeds.

Weed Management in Sugarcane Intercropping System:

Premergence application of Thiobencarb @ 1.25 kg ai/ha under intercropping system in

Sugarcane with Soybean, black gram or groundnut gives effective weed control. Raising
intercrops is not found to affect the cane yield and quality.

Earthing up:

After application of 3rd dose fertilizer (90 days), work victory plough along the ridges or
efficient and economical earthing up. At 150 days after planting, earthing up may be done with
spade.

Detrashing:

Remove the dry cane leaves on 150th and 210th day to avoid borer infestation.
26. Bio-fertilizer for Sugarcane

Azospirillum is the common bio-fertilizer recommended for N nutrition which could

colonize the roots of sugarcane and fix atmospheric nitrogen to the tune of about 50 to 75 kg
nitrogen per ha per year, Recently, another endophytic nitrogen fixing bacterium,
Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus isolated from sugarcane can able to fix more nitrogen than
Azospirillum. It colonizes throughout the sugarcane and increases the total N content. In soil, it
can also colonize the roots and able to solubilize the phosphate, iron and Zn. It can also enhance
the crop growth. Yield of Sugarcane and sugar content of the juice. Since it is more efficient than
AzOspirillum. This new organism was test- verified in various centers and released as new bio-
fertilizer. Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus TNAU Biofert-1. Phosphobacteria as P solubiliser
are recommended for sugarcane crop.

27. Water Management:

Germination phase (0 - 35 days):

 Provide shallow wetting with 2 to 3 cm depth of water at shorter intervals especially for
sandy soil for enhancing the germination. Sprinkler irrigation is the suitable method to
satisfy the requirement, during initial stages.
 Later irrigation can be provided at 0.75, 0.75 and 0.50 IW/CPE ratio during tillering,
grand growth and maturity phases respectively.

Drip irrigation:

 Planting setts obtained from 6-7 months old healthy nursery and planted in paired row
planting system with the spacing of 30x30x30 / 150 cm.
 Eight setts per meter per row have to be planted on either sides of the ridge thus making it
as four row planting system.
 12 mm drip laterals have to be placed in the middle ridge of each furrow with the lateral
spacing of 240 cm & 8 Lph' clog free drippers should be placed with a spacing of 75 cm
on the lateral lines. The lateral length should not exceed more than 30-40 m. Phosphorus
@ 62.5 kg ha-1 has to be applied as basal a time of planting.
  Nitrogen and Potassium (a 275:112.5 kg ha-1 have to be injected into the system as urea
assembly in 10-12 equal splits starting from 15 and muriate of potash by using "Ventury"
assembly in 10-12 equal splits starting from 15to 150-180 days after planting.
 Low or medium in nutrient status soil to be given with 50 per cent additional dose of
Nitrogen and Potassium. Irrigation is given once in three days based on the evapo-
transpiration demand of the crop.
 The double side planting of sugarcane with lateral spacing of 120+40 cm under
subsurface drip fertigation system improves the yield.

Spacing and Furrow Making:

 Pit to pit spacing - 1.5 x 1.5 m

 Number of pits ha - 4,444 pits

 Pit diameter - 0.9 m

 Pit depth - 0.38 m

 Number of budded setts /pit- 32 (single budded setts)

 Fill the pits to a depth of 15 cm with compost and native soil and mix it well. Place the
healthy setts in circular fashion leaving 10 cm from the outer boundary of the pits with
equal spacing between each setts and cover the setts with soil. On 50 to 60 days after
planting give partial earthing up by sliding the soil from the outer boundary of the pit and
full earthing up should be given leaving a depression of 2.5 cm from the ground level at
90 to 100 days after planting.

 Fertilizer dose - 275:62.5:112.5kg NPK/ha

 The entire phosphorous dose can be applied as basal at the time of planting.

 The nitrogen and potassium as urea and MOP (white potash) should be applied through
fertigation system in 14 equal splits starting from 15 DAP up to 210 DAP

 Drip design -lateral to lateral spacing 3.0 m

  8 mm micro tubes on either side of the lateral to a length of 1.0 m with one 8 LPH
drippers / pit

 Irrigation - daily or in alternative days.

Benefits:

 Higher cane yield

 Multi rationing is possible

 Suited in problem soils

 More water saving

 System maintenance is easy

 Less labor for after cultivation operations

 Higher net return

28. Harvesting

Harvesting should be done at full maturity at 12 months Close harvesting (2-3em below g
level) using a sickle is ideal. Topping should be done at the point of break. Clean cane should be
supplied to the mill or used for jaggery making. The cane should be transported to the mill within
24 hours.

Cane yield:

With the package of practices detailed above a cane yield of 150-200t/ha can be obtained.

Ratooning:

 Remove the trash from the field. Do not burn it. Irrigate the field copiously.

 Follow stubble shaving with sharp spades to a depth of 4 - 6 cm along the ridges at proper
moisture.
 Work with cooper plough along with sides of the ridges to break the compaction.
  The gappy arcases in the ratoon sugarcane crop should be filled within 30 days of stubble
shaving. The sprouted cane stubbles taken from the same field is the best material for full
establishment. The next best method is gap filling with seedlings raised in polybags.
 Apply basal dose of organic manure and super phosphate as recommended for plant crop.

Management of the Crop:

 25% additional N application on 5-7 days after ratooning.

 Spray Ferrous sulphate at 2.5 kg/ha on the 15th day. If chlorotic condition persists, repeat

 Twice further at 15 days interval. Add urea 2.5 kg/ha in the last spray.

 Hoeing and weeding on 20th day and 40th to 50th day.

 First top dressing on 25th day, 2nd on 45th to 50th day.

 Final manuring on 70th to 75th day.

 Detrashing on 120th and 180th day.

 Trash twist propping on 180th day.

 Harvest after 11 months.

29. Sugarcane as Energy Crop

In recent years, with the increase in standard of living, the per capita energy consumption
has increased substantially. The world energy consumption is expected to increase multifold by
2025 with much of the energy growth occurring in rapidly expanding economies. Fossil fuels
such as coal, oil and natural gas currently supply 86% of the world's energy, and that will be
used up in the foreseeable future. So the only way is to increase the energy availability through
alternate sources of energy.

Photosynthesis is the process that green plants use to convert solar energy into chemical
energy. Photosynthesis relies on the synthesis of sugars from atmospheric C02 and water from
the soil. When plants are harvested and processed, the energy stored in the chemical bonds will
be released and converted to other forms of energy. During this process, CO2 is released but
unlike the burning of fossil fuels. The use of bio-energy does not contribute to a net emission of
CO2. Because the carbon was only recently fixed. The production of bio-energy. However, does
result in C02 emissions during harvesting. Transportation and processing of the feed stocks. Bio-
energy is currently the only alternative and potential energy source able to supply liquid the
production of transportation fuels. Plants can be used as a source of fermentable sugars for
ethanol and other low molecular weight alcohols. The fermentable sugars needed for the
production of ethanol can be obtained from soluble sugars in the juice of Sweet sorghums,
sugarcane, or crops such as sugar beets or Sweet potatoes or alternatively can be generated via
hydrolysis of starch (from maize, sorghum or wheat grain), or from the hydrolysis of cellulose
and hemicellulose present in the plant cell wall.