Sugarcane Farming: Know which months are best for sugarcane cultivation, know the best ways to plant sugarcane 

Sugarcane Farming: Selection of the right varieties, good soil preparation, balanced use of fertilizers, proper irrigation and disease control are necessary for planting sugarcane in March-April.

Sugarcane is a major cash crop, which is used to make sugar, jaggery, and other products. It is cultivated on a large scale in India, and March–April is considered suitable for sugarcane cultivation. Here we will discuss in detail about the best ways to plant sugarcane in March-April.

1. Selection of suitable sugarcane varieties

For planting sugarcane in March-April, those varieties should be selected which are able to tolerate heat and mature early. Some of the major varieties are as follows:

1.Co. 0238 (CO 0238) – High yielding and disease resistant variety

2.Co.. 0118 (CO 0118) – Variety with good sweetness and juice

3.Co.. 86032 (CO 86032) – Widely grown variety

4.Co.. 98014 (CO 98014) – Drought resistant and high yielding variety

2. Soil Preparation and Fertilizer Management

1. Loamy and alluvial soil is most suitable for sugarcane cultivation, which should have proper drainage.

2..Ploughing of land: Plough the field deeply and make the soil friable.

3. Use of organic manure: Add 20-25 tonnes of cow dung manure or compost per hectare.

Use of Fertilizers:

Nitrogen (N) – 150-200 kg per hectare

Phosphorus (P) – 60-80 kg per hectare

Potash (K) – 80-100 kg per hectare

3. Methods of sowing sugarcane

Sugarcane is sown in two main methods in March-April:

(A) Ridge and Furrow Method

In this method, deep furrows are made and sugarcane pieces are sown in those furrows. This ensures good drainage and the roots get proper nutrition.

(B) Trench Method

In this method, 25-30 cm deep trenches are made and sugarcane pieces are sown in them. This method helps in water conservation and gives higher yield.

Seed rate: 35,000 to 45,000 two-eyed sugarcane pieces are required per hectare.

4. Irrigation and Water Management

Temperature starts rising in March-April, so proper water management is necessary.

Irrigate lightly immediately after transplanting.
Irrigate every 7-10 days during summer season.
Using drip irrigation system saves water and increases yield.
Avoid waterlogging, as it can damage the roots of sugarcane.

5. Weed control and disease management

Prevention from weeds and diseases is necessary for good growth of sugarcane.

Weed control:

It is necessary to remove weeds in the initial 60-90 days.
Mulching reduces weeds and maintains soil moisture.
Some selective herbicides such as Atrazine can be used.

Disease and Pest Control:

1.Red Rot Disease: Destroy the affected plants immediately and select resistant varieties.

2.Sheath Blight: Spray copper based fungicides.

3.White Grub: Use neem based insecticides for biological control.

6. Timely harvesting of sugarcane crop

1. The sugarcane crop planted in March-April is ready in 10-12 months.

2. When the leaves of sugarcane start drying and its sweetness increases, then harvest it.

3. After harvesting, send the sugarcane immediately to the mill or for making jaggery, so that its quality remains intact.

Planting sugarcane in March-April requires selection of the right variety, good soil preparation, balanced use of fertilizers, proper irrigation and disease control. If farmers follow these techniques, they can get high-quality crops and earn more profits.