Tips to Improve Sugarcane Yield During Rainy Season

Key Highlights

• Protect sugarcane during monsoon to enhance yield.
• Use urea top dressing and balanced fertilizers.
• Perform earthing up and crop binding.
• Manage pests like stem borers and Plassey borers.
• Control Pokkhaa boing disease with copper oxychloride.
• Remove Amarbel weed to prevent crop damage.

Sugarcane is a vital cash crop known for its commercial significance across India, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. However, the monsoon season poses challenges that can harm sugarcane crops, affecting their yield. Agriculture or Agricultural scientists offer valuable advice to protect and enhance sugarcane yields during the rainy month of July.

Impact of Rain on Sugarcane

While moderate rain benefits sugarcane growth, excessive rainfall can lead to detrimental consequences. Waterlogging due to floods can cause root rot, significantly damaging the crops. Additionally, increased humidity fosters the outbreak of various diseases and pests, posing further threats to sugarcane health.

Also Read: Farmer's Guide to Controlling Pokka Disease in Sugarcane

Recommended Actions for July

To mitigate potential damage and ensure better yields during the rainy season, farmers are advised to undertake specific tasks in their sugarcane fields this month:

1. Top Dressing and Fertilization:
   • Conduct top dressing with urea to enhance nitrogen supply post-rain.
   • Apply balanced water-soluble fertilizers like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium to support plant growth.
2. Earthing Up and Crop Binding:
   • Perform earthing up to strengthen sugarcane roots, taking advantage of softened soil conditions.
   • Secure weak sugarcane plants through binding to protect them from wind and storm damage.
3. Pest and Disease Management:
   • Implement measures to combat prevalent pests and diseases such as stem borers, Plassey borers, and Pokkhaa boing disease:
     • Use biological controls like Trichogramma cilonis and Cotepesia plevipes.
     • Employ chemical solutions like Profenophos and Cypermethrin for effective pest management.
     • Treat Pokkhaa boing disease with copper oxychloride sprays at regular intervals.
4. Weed Control:
   • Remove Amarbel weed, which can harm sugarcane growth by absorbing essential nutrients and stunting plant development.

Also Read: Big Subsidy on Building Ponds and Wells: Farmers Can Benefit

CMV360 Says

By adhering to these proactive measures, farmers can safeguard their sugarcane crops against the adverse effects of monsoon rains, thereby ensuring better yields and sustaining the economic viability of this crucial agricultural commodity.