Pune: Shivajirao Mahadev Indore, a progressive farmer from Chandoli Khurd village in Ambegaon Taluka, has achieved an extraordinary milestone by producing a record yield of 107 tons of sugarcane per acre. This remarkable achievement was made possible through meticulous planning, modern agricultural practices, and efficient use of resources.
Indore cultivated the 86032 sugarcane variety, known for its high yield potential, on one acre of land. His crop boasted an average of 50 to 54 stalks per clump, with each stalk weighing between 5 and 6 kilograms.
Systematic Planning and Execution:
The journey to this milestone began with a detailed soil analysis, based on which fertilizers were selected. Post-plowing, Indore applied four trolleys of farmyard manure to enrich the soil. He then used a tractor to create 3.5-foot-wide trenches in a north-south orientation, ensuring optimal sunlight exposure for the sugarcane crop.
The seeds, aged between 9 and 11 months, were treated and planted with precision on June 15, 2023, maintaining a spacing of six inches. Fertilizers such as urea and 10:26:26 were applied during plantation, and regular maintenance like weeding and earthing up was carried out under the guidance of agricultural experts from Bhimashankar Sugar Factory.
Overcoming Challenges:
Indore’s success is particularly commendable given the challenges of farming in a leopard-prone area. Despite the constant threat, he ensured that the sugarcane crop received timely irrigation and care.
Support and Recognition:
Indore attributes his success to the guidance of agricultural expert Lakshman Kate, the support of his father Mahadev Indore, and the encouragement of his wife, Vaishali. Previously, his parents were recognized twice for their exceptional sugarcane production by Bhimashankar Sugar Factory.
Cost-Efficiency and Profitability:
With total expenses of approximately ₹50,000, Indore’s record yield generated an income of over ₹3,00,000 from 40 gunthas (approximately one acre). This achievement underscores the potential of innovative farming practices in maximizing productivity. Indore urged fellow farmers to prioritize the use of organic manure to enhance soil fertility and boost crop yields.