When to Sow Sugarcane? Know the Right Time and These 13 High-Yielding Varieties

sugarcane farming

Krishi Dunia

• 15 Feb, 2025 02:01 PM IST ,
• Updated Mon, 17 Feb 2025 02:24 PM

The ideal time for spring sugarcane sowing is from mid-February to the end of March. Sugarcane can be cultivated in almost all types of soil, but loamy and black loamy soils are considered the most suitable. A temperature range of 30-35°C during this period promotes good growth.

If farmers sow sugarcane at the right time and select improved varieties, they can achieve higher yields with lower costs and time. Choosing healthy and certified seeds is crucial for profitable sugarcane farming.

Best Sugarcane Varieties (Top Varieties):

To increase sugarcane yield, selecting regionally suitable high-yielding varieties is essential.

 Early Maturing Varieties for Western & Central Uttar Pradesh:

• CO 98014 (Karan-1)
• CO 0118 (Karan-2)
• CO 0238 (Karan-4)
• CO 0214 (Karan-5)
• CO 0237 (Karan-8)

 Main Varieties for Eastern Uttar Pradesh:

• Co. Sha. 8436
• Co. Sha. 687

 Mid & Late Maturing Varieties for Western & Central Uttar Pradesh:

• COH-110
• COS-767
• COH-1148
• COH-199
• COH-99
• COS-8436

Best Sowing Method for Sugarcane:

Sugarcane sowing should be completed by March 15-20. To maintain seed quality, soak sugarcane seed pieces in a solution of 250g Aretan in 100 liters of water for 5 minutes before sowing.

Sowing Distance & Depth:

• Sow in furrows at a depth of 10 cm with 75-90 cm row spacing.

Seed Quantity:

• Single-eyed pieces: 1,33,750 per hectare
• Double-eyed pieces: 60,000-65,000 per hectare
• Triple-eyed pieces: 40,000-45,000 per hectare
• Total Seed Requirement: 60-70 quintals per hectare

Key Practices for Higher Yields:

Intercropping for Additional Profits: Intercropping sugarcane with other crops like urad (black gram) can maximize earnings. Farmers can sow two rows of urad between two rows of sugarcane spaced 75 cm apart, eliminating the need for separate fertilizer application for urad.

Fertilizer Management in Sugarcane Farming:

If soil testing is available, apply fertilizers accordingly. Otherwise, use the following standard fertilizers per hectare:

• 60-75 kg Nitrogen
• 80 kg Phosphorus
• 60 kg Potash

For ratoon crops (sugarcane grown from leftover roots):

• Apply 90 kg Nitrogen immediately after harvesting.
• Apply the same amount during the third irrigation cycle.

Weed & Pest Control Measures:

Weed Control:
To ensure a good ratoon crop, weed control is essential. Spray 2 kg Atrazine (active ingredient) per hectare immediately after sowing.

Irrigation Management:

• Irrigate the field every 12-15 days to maintain moisture.

Pest Control:
To protect sugarcane from termites and borers, use:

• 2.5 liters Chlorpyrifos 20 EC
• 2.5 liters Gamma BHC 20 EC
• 600 ml Fipronil 5 SC

Mix these in 600-800 liters of water and spray per acre.

Additionally, to prevent insect infestations, spray 150 ml Imidacloprid in 250-300 liters of water on the crop.

To achieve higher yields in spring sugarcane farming, farmers must adopt advanced varieties, sow at the right time, manage fertilizers properly, and implement effective pest and weed control strategies.

By following scientific methods and modern farming techniques, farmers can maximize profits at lower costs.