Sugarcane farming

Sugarcane Farming can be a profitable venture with the right practices and techniques. Ensure proper care of your crops and timely harvest to achieve high yields and good quality sugarcane.

Soil Requirements: Sugarcane requires fertile, well - drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 to 7.5.

Climate: Sugarcane requires a warm and humid climate with a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C. It grows well in regions with an annual rainfall of 1000-1500mm.

Planting: Sugarcane is planted using cane sets, which are sections of sugarcane stems with one or two buds. The cane sets are planted in furrows at a depth of 5-10 cm and a distance of 20-30 cm between them.

Fertilizer Application: Sugarcane requires high amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply nitrogen fertilizer in split doses, with 50% applied at planting and the rest during the growing season.

Irrigation: Sugarcane requires frequent irrigation, especially during the early stages of growth. Irrigation should be done once a week, and the soil should be kept moist.

Weed Control: Sugarcane is susceptible to weed competition. To control weeds, use herbicides or manual weeding.

Disease Control: Sugarcane is prone to diseases such as smut, rust, and mosaic. Use disease-resistant varieties, maintain proper drainage, and remove infected plants to control the spread of diseases.

Harvesting: Sugarcane is ready for harvest 12-18 months after planting. Harvesting is done by cutting the sugarcane stalks at ground level. Harvested sugarcane should be transported to the mill as soon as possible to avoid loss of sugar content.

Helpful Tips:

1. Choose disease-resistant sugarcane varieties.

2. Proper drainage is essential to avoid waterlogging and diseases.

3. Apply fertilizers and irrigation at the right time and in the right quantity.

4. Remove weeds and infected plants promptly to avoid competition and spread of diseases.

5. Use a sharp cutting tool for harvesting to avoid damage to the stalks.

6.Transport the harvested sugarcane to the mill as soon as possible to avoid loss of sugar content.