Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has called on sugarcane farmers to enhance their yields in order to boost their income, stressing the importance of adopting modern technology, including artificial intelligence, to achieve this goal.
For the sugar industry to remain financially viable, Gadkari emphasised that production must increase per acre.
“Farmers must increase their yields while minimizing water and fertilizer usage, and lowering costs. Farming is a science, and without effectively leveraging technology, productivity will not improve. The use of modern tools and AI in agriculture is now essential for farmers to receive their rightful returns,” he stated.
Additionally, Gadkari highlighted that the sugar sector should diversify beyond just sugar production. He suggested that factories should also focus on producing ethanol, biofuel, and aviation fuel. “Only when the industry evolves into an energy producer will the future of both farmers and factories be secured,” he added.
Gadkari made these remarks on Sunday during the inauguration of the 42nd crushing season at the Shri Nilkantheshwar Shetkari Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana in Killari, Ausa tehsil.
Local MLA Abhimanyu Pawar, who has played a key role in enhancing the factory’s prospects, announced that farmers will receive ₹3,011 per tonne of sugarcane this season.
