Potential future technology: Mechanised harvesting of sugarcane

Abstract

The energy consumption in production of sugarcane is highest as compared to many other crops such as potato, maize, wheat, paddy, sorghum etc. sugarcane is labour intensive requiring about 3300 man-hrs per hectare for different operations. Considering the present trend of availability of labour for sugarcane production, it has been experienced that the use of modern machinery is inevitable. Use of machinery helps in labour saving and timeliness of operations, reduces drudgery, helps in improving quality of work, reduces cost of operation and ensures effective utilization of resources (Javed ali, 2015). A Front Line Demonstration on Mechanical harvesting of sugarcane sanctioned to Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bagalkot for the year 2018-19 was implemented in two villages of Bagalkot district namely Jambagi K.D. of Mudhol taluka and Gangur of Bagalkot taluka. Method demonstration on mechanised harvesting was conducted followed by interaction with farmers. The group discussion on the pros and cons of mechanical harvesting Have been discussed at length and are delineated in this paper.