The Bihar Sugarcane Department has issued important advisories for farmers this December, focusing on crop management, ratoon (peḍī) maintenance, and winter sowing, aiming to improve both yield and income for sugarcane cultivators.
The guidelines emphasize proper sugarcane harvesting and post-harvest care. Farmers are advised to cut mature cane close to the ground and deliver it immediately to sugar mills or jaggery units. If the crop cannot be transported immediately, it should be covered with dry leaves and lightly watered to prevent deterioration. Inter-crops sown alongside sugarcane in October should be carefully managed according to their specific needs.
Weed management is highlighted as a critical step. Farmers can use a hoe or cultivator for mechanical control. In the absence of labor, the herbicide Atrazine is recommended at 2 kg active ingredient per hectare, dissolved in 800 liters of water for effective weed suppression. Fields where cane is harvested without leaving a ratoon crop should be promptly prepared for wheat sowing.
For maintaining the health of the ratoon crop, the department recommends ethrel application on stumps at 12 ml per 100 liters of water. This helps reduce cold stress and accelerates sprouting; the spray should be applied within an hour of solution preparation. The use of the ratoon management machine developed by the Indian Sugarcane Research Institute is also advised. This machine simultaneously trims old roots, performs deep tillage, mounds soil, and applies fertilizers, saving both labor and costs.
Fertilizer management for new ratoon shoots includes applying 200 kg urea, 130 kg DAP, and 100 kg muriate of potash per hectare near sugarcane rows. In addition, soil fertility can be improved by incorporating enriched Trichoderma mixed with 10 tons per hectare of pressed cake. After the second ratoon harvest, wheat sowing using zero-till seed drills is recommended.
The department’s initiative aims to encourage scientific farming practices among Bihar’s sugarcane growers. By following these recommendations, farmers can reduce production costs, increase per-acre yields, and strengthen their economic position.
Key Takeaways for Farmers:
- Harvest sugarcane close to the ground and deliver promptly.
- Apply ethrel to stumps to improve ratoon sprouting.
- Use 200 kg urea, 130 kg DAP, and 100 kg muriate of potash per hectare for new shoots.
- For weed control, Atrazine can be used if labor is unavailable.
- Incorporate organic amendments such as enriched Trichoderma with pressed cake to improve soil fertility.
The Bihar Sugarcane Department stresses that adopting these scientific practices will help farmers optimize crop management, improve yield, and ensure better returns in the current season.
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