In a significant move to address the challenges faced by the sugarcane industry in India, the Sugar Technologists’ Association of India (STAI) in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (IISR) is organizing a national seminar titled “Mechanization of Sugarcane Farming: Operational, Environmental and Policy Constraints”. The event is scheduled to take place at the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, on March 7, 2024, from 09:30 am to 05:30 pm.
Sugarcane is a cornerstone of India’s agricultural sector, occupying approximately 5 million hectares and serving as a primary raw material for the country’s second-largest agro-processing industry. Despite its critical role, the industry faces numerous challenges due to reliance on natural resources, socio-economic factors, government policies, and fluctuating national and international market forces. These challenges have led to significant variations in sugarcane prices and cultivation areas.
The seminar aims to pivot the industry from traditional practices to advanced cultivation methods. This includes the mechanization of various farming operations such as tillage, planting, weeding, plant protection, harvesting, and post-harvest processes including ratoon management. The development of new sugarcane varieties, technologies to enhance yield, and eco-friendly recycling practices for crop and industry residues are also on the agenda for fostering soil health and cane productivity.
The event will gather senior industry experts, scientists, technology providers, consultants, and academicians to discuss these critical topics. It is particularly relevant to CEOs, HODs, cane managers, officers, researchers, and other professionals associated with the sugarcane industry.
Participants and organizations interested in attending the seminar are encouraged to register and may avail a 10% discount on the delegation fee for nominating three or more delegates. The seminar also includes a special session from 04:30 pm to 05:30 pm, showcasing developed mechanization techniques at IISR farms, offering a practical view of the advancements in sugarcane farming.
The STAI and IISR’s initiative underscores the urgent need for modernization in sugarcane cultivation to ensure sustainability and increased productivity in the face of changing global and environmental conditions. This seminar is a step towards uniting key stakeholders in the industry to deliberate on and find solutions to the pressing issues confronting sugarcane cultivation in India.
