Pune (Maharashtra): The state’s Sugar Commissioner has directed all sugar factories not to stop farmers from registering the third ratoon crop of sugarcane.
In a circular issued to factories, Sugar Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Kolte said farmers must be allowed to register their third crop without any restrictions. He added that Regional Joint Directors of Sugar should meet all factories in their respective areas and inform them of these instructions to ensure proper implementation.
The directive follows complaints received by the Sugar Commissioner’s office that some factories were reluctant to register farmers’ third ratoon crop. After this, feedback was sought from the Padegaon Central Sugarcane Research Centre, following which the circular was issued.
According to experts from the research centre, certain guidelines should be followed while keeping the third ratoon crop. Farmers should use recommended varieties such as Co. 86032, Phule 0265, Phule 10001, Phule 15012, Phule 13007 and Phule 15006. The third crop should be taken only from cane harvested before February 15. The crop should have around 25,000 to 30,000 shoots per acre. After harvesting the second crop, signs of grassy shoot disease and other diseases should be below five per cent.
Experts also advised farmers not to keep the third crop if there is a high incidence of root rot or scale insect attack. The third crop should be considered only if the second crop yields between 45 and 50 tonnes per acre. Farmers should apply the recommended balanced quantity of nutrients, including 250 kg of nitrogen, 115 kg of phosphorus and 115 kg of potassium per hectare.
If soil tests show a shortage of micronutrients, experts suggested using 10 kg of ferrous sulphate, 8 kg of zinc sulphate, 4 kg of manganese sulphate and 2 kg of borax per acre. These should be mixed with organic manure in a 1:10 ratio and dried in the shade for four to five days before use.
The research centre also informed the Sugar Commissioner’s office that if the ratoon crop is economically beneficial, farmers should be allowed to continue with it.
