Productivity and economics of sugarcane (Saccharum officinanrm) based production systems in subtropical India

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, during 1996 98 and 1998 2000 with 3 cropping systems, viz. wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori Paol.) sugarcane (Saccha rum officinarum L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) sugarcane and sunflower sugarcane, and 3 planting ma terials for sugarcane (conventional 3 bud setts setts obtained from 750 ppm a.i. ethephon sprayed solution in seed cane 10 days before planting and polythene bag raised settlings PBS). The highest number of millable canes (158,70Olha), cane yield (116.9 tonneslha) and cane equivalent yield (145.9 tonneslha) were obtained when sugarcane (ethephon sprayed) was planted with spring sunflower. Sugarcane intercropping with sunflower increased 41.43% cane yield (1 11 tonneslha) over sunflower sugarcane system. Sunflower t sugarcane (CP) system produced taller cane (214 cm) than other systems. Use of polythene bag raised settlings increased the cane yield by 17% in wheat sugarcane system. The variation in cane yield was observed due to variation in date \ of planting under different systems. Sugarcane sunflower (ethephon sprayed) system also produced the highest number of millable canes (1 59,000) and cane yield (72.9 tonneslha) in subsequent ratoon. Sugarcane (ethephon sprayed) sunflower system fetched highest net return (Rs 78,000lha) and benefit :cost ratio (3.27). However, for .late planting conditions in wheat cane system the use of polythene bag raised settlings was found quite remu nerative (Rs 69,596lha net return and benefit : cost ratio 3.16)