Botanical Name: Saccharum officinarumChromosome Number: 2n = 80
Origin:
Sugarcane is believed to have originated in New Guinea and was later spread to other parts of Southeast Asia.
Geographical Distribution:
Sugarcane is now cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including countries like India, Brazil, China, Thailand, Pakistan, Mexico, and Australia.
Economic Importance:
Sugarcane is an important crop for the production of sugar, ethanol, and other by-products. It is also used for the production of molasses, rum, and biofuels. The sugarcane industry provides employment opportunities and contributes significantly to the economy of many countries.
Soil and Climatic Requirements:
Sugarcane prefers well-drained, fertile soils with good moisture retention capacity. It grows best in tropical and subtropical climates with temperatures between 20°C and 35°C (68°F to 95°F) and an annual rainfall of 1000-1500 mm (39-59 inches).
Seed Rate:
Sugarcane is propagated through vegetative means, such as stem cuttings or setts. The recommended seed rate is around 35,000 to 40,000 setts per hectare.
Spacing:
The spacing between sugarcane rows is typically 90-120 cm (35-47 inches), and the spacing between individual setts within a row is about 30-45 cm (12-18 inches).
Seed Treatment:
Before planting, sugarcane setts are usually treated with a fungicide or hot water treatment to control fungal diseases and pests.
Varieties:
There are several sugarcane varieties cultivated for rabi (winter) season, depending on the specific region and climate. Some popular rabi sugarcane varieties include Co 0238, Co 0118, Co 1148, Co 1149, CoS 97262, and CoSe 93426.
Cultural Practices:
1. Land Preparation: Prior to planting sugarcane, the land needs to be prepared adequately. This involves clearing the field of weeds, rocks, and other debris. Plowing and tilling the soil help loosen it and create a favorable seedbed for planting.
2. Variety Selection: Selecting the right variety of sugarcane is crucial for a successful crop. Farmers consider factors such as yield potential, resistance to diseases and pests, and suitability to the local climate and soil conditions.
3. Planting: Sugarcane is propagated through stem cuttings known as "setts" or "billets." These cuttings are planted in furrows or trenches, usually in rows, and covered with soil. The spacing between rows and plants depends on the variety and local conditions.
4. Fertilization: Sugarcane requires proper fertilization to achieve optimum growth and yield. Farmers apply organic or inorganic fertilizers to provide essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The type and amount of fertilizer depend on soil tests, crop requirements, and local recommendations.
5. Irrigation: Adequate water supply is crucial for sugarcane growth. Depending on the climate and rainfall patterns, farmers use different irrigation methods such as furrow irrigation, sprinkler systems, or drip irrigation to provide water to the crop during dry periods.
6. Weed Control: Weeds compete with sugarcane for resources and can significantly impact yield. Farmers use various weed control methods, including manual weeding, mechanical cultivation, and herbicide application, to keep the weed population in check.
7. Disease and Pest Management: Sugarcane is susceptible to various diseases and pests, including smut, rust, sugarcane aphids, and borers. Farmers employ integrated pest management strategies, including cultural, biological, and chemical control methods, to minimize the damage caused by these threats.
8. Crop Rotation: To manage soil health and reduce the risk of diseases, farmers practice crop rotation. They alternate sugarcane cultivation with other crops, such as legumes or cereals, in a planned sequence.
9. Earthing Up: During the growth of sugarcane, soil is periodically piled around the base of the plants to support their development, enhance stability, and promote proper root growth. This process is known as earthing up or hilling.
10. Harvesting: Sugarcane is harvested when it reaches maturity, usually after 12-18 months of growth. The harvesting process involves cutting the stalks close to the ground using machetes or mechanical harvesters. The harvested sugarcane is then transported to the processing mill.
11. Ratoon Crop Management: After the initial harvest, sugarcane can regrow from the remaining root system, known as ratoons. Managing ratoon crops involves removing weeds, providing necessary nutrients, and controlling pests to ensure healthy regrowth and subsequent harvests.
Yield:
The yield of rabi sugarcane can vary depending on various factors, including variety, management practices, soil fertility, and climatic conditions. On average, rabi sugarcane can yield around 70-100 tonnes per hectare (28-40 tons per acre) under optimal conditions.
