Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative [SSI]

NABARD's Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative is a credit-plus approach to sugarcane growing that incorporates twin drip irrigation systems. This program intends to promote agronomic practices that are both sustainable and intelligent.

About the Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative

Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative assists in the creation of market connections with sugar manufacturers as well as the reduction of the environmental impact of sugarcane cultivation techniques.

Under UPNRM, this project provides farmers with technological and financial assistance to enhance scientific production techniques.

Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative Objective

The Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative is a collaboration between the Umbrella Program for Natural Resource Management, Maharashtra's sugar cooperatives, and NABARD. Due to the variable intercropping possibilities, greater yield opportunities, and lower fertiliser usage, this project is beneficial to small and marginal farmers.

India is the world's second-largest sugarcane grower. Sugar production supports the livelihoods of around 35 million farmers.

This effort furthers the cause by employing environmentally friendly farming methods. Farmers are enticed to participate in Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative by providing financial assistance, subsidised seedlings, exposure trips, and organic manure.

Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative Goals

Farmers from Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) in Pune were given single eye budded seedlings by the government. They were encouraged to plant peanuts, sugarcane, and soybean intercropping. Nonetheless, the following are the program's goals.

• Farmers can use single budded chips to help them develop a nursery.
• Supporting organic plant protection and nutrition management methods.
• Transferring seedlings that are 25-35 days old to a safe location.
• Farmers are being educated on the need to have a wide gap between crops in the field.
• Encourage farmers to use intercropping to get the most out of their land.

Benefits of Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative

The benefits of the Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative are:

1. This approach assures that all transplanted seedlings survive without the need for gap filling.
2. For long-term yield, it decreases the consumption of seeds, water, and fertilisers. This program aims to increase output while utilising fewer resources.
3. Crop yields are increased by 20-30% with Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative cultivation.
4. It lowers the cost of farming by up to 25% by reducing the amount of product used.
5. This program lowers plant mortality and aids in the production of high-quality sugarcane.
6. The expense of fertigation is reduced.
7. Its goal is to provide jobs in the seedling production process for both men and women in rural areas.
8. This program uses monies to offset the costs of seedlings and to hold awareness campaigns for farmers.
9. This method can save up to 940,000 m3 of water each year.
10. SSI hopes to reach 20,000 farmers with sustainable farming techniques in five years.
11. Using Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative practices, a producer might save up to Rs.88,000 per acre.
12. Individuals can reduce their water consumption and conserve up to 50% for environmental conservation.

The Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative is a sugarcane production strategy that incorporates using fewer seeds, less water, and optimal fertiliser and land use to increase yields.

The initiative is a farmer-driven alternative to conventional sugarcane farming, which requires a lot of water and area.

FAQs on Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative

Q.1. What year did the Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative begin?

The Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative, sugarcane growing method was developed from the SRI (System of Rice Intensification) principles of "More with Less" and launched in India by the WWF-ICRISAT collaborative project in 2009.

Q.2. What is the Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative for a Sustainable Future?

The Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative strives to improve sugarcane cultivation by modifying the inputs and processes employed. It primarily entails. Seeds are used less frequently. Water usage is lower. Optimal fertiliser and land usage.

Q.3. Compared to conventional farming, how cost-effective is the Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative?

The cost of seed in Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative practices is significantly lower than in conventional growing.

Q.4. What are the two cutting-edge methods used in the Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative?

In the Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative, producers could use drip farming and intercropping techniques. This is an environmentally friendly technique to increase yield without spending a lot of money.

Q.5. What is the Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative's main goal?

The Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative attempts to reduce inputs and implement new agricultural technologies to develop sugarcane. It advocates using fewer seeds and less water while maximising the utilisation of land and organic fertilisers.