🌱 Requirements for Sugarcane Cultivation
- Climate: Tropical & Subtropical | 20–40°C (optimum 25–35°C) | 75–150 cm rainfall with irrigation | Abundant sunlight needed.
- Soil: Deep, fertile alluvial or black soil | pH 6.0–8.0 | High organic matter.
- Seed Material: Stem cuttings (setts) with 2–3 buds.
🚜 Cultivation Practices
- Land Preparation: Deep ploughing, organic manure, leveling.
- Planting: Tropical (Feb–Mar, Sept–Oct) | Subtropical (Feb–Mar). Ridge & furrow/trench/flat system. Spacing 75–100 cm.
- Irrigation: Frequent irrigation during tillering & elongation. Avoid waterlogging.
- Fertilization: Balanced NPK + organic matter & green manuring.
- Intercultural Ops: Weeding, earthing up, trash mulching.
- Pest/Disease Mgmt: Pests – borers, termites, grubs. Diseases – red rot, smut, wilt. Use resistant varieties, crop rotation, fungicides/insecticides.
🌾 Harvesting
Duration: 10–18 months depending on variety & climate.
Signs: Yellowing leaves, juice with 16–18% sugar.
Method: Cut close to ground with machete/knife.
🏭 Uses
- Sugar production
- Jaggery & khandsari
- Ethanol & biofuel
- Molasses (alcohol, yeast industry)
- Bagasse (paper, boards, power)