Introducing SSI (Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative) Technology for Enhanced Cane Production and Economic Returns in Real Farming Situations Under East Coast Climatic Conditions of India

Abstract

An on-farm trial in a participatory mode was conducted consecutively during 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 cropping seasons at Patuli Sahi village under Odagaon block of Nayagarh district in Odisha with a view to draw a comparative statement of the advantages of sustainable sugarcane initiative (SSI) technology of cane cultivation over the conventional three bud setts planting. Twenty-five day old seedlings were planted at 120 × 60 cm distance in SSI technology as against three bud setts planted at 75 cm row to row spacing in conventional practice. The study thus revealed that by adopting SSI technology of sugarcane cultivation, the farmers could realize a cane yield of 105 t/ha which was 18 % higher as against 89 t/ha obtained from the conventional method of cane cultivation. The cost of cultivation was Rs. 1,69,300/ha in conventional cane cultivation which came down to Rs. 1,51,950/ha when the crop was grown by SSI technology. The gross and net returns were Rs. 2,36,250 and 84,300/ha, respectively by adopting of SSI technology as compared to Rs. 2,00,250 and 30,950/ha in conventional cane farming. Sugarcane planting by SSI technology has thus proved to be more productive and economically viable since it also fetched more net returns per unit area for time invested, and can be a better option for the farmers of east coast zone of India. The SSI technology was also judged as the most sustainable by the farmers in their local agricultural production system.