IMPROVING SUGARCANE PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH PROBLEM BASED TECHNOLOGICAL INTERVENTION

摘要

Diagnostic surveys conducted in sugarcane farming systems indicated that the cane growers operate their farms in multi various problem situations. The introduction of suitable and timely technological interventions helps in increasing the productivity under location specific environments. This paper gives a detailed account of technology assessment process implemented in a cluster of selected villages in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu by Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore. A problem cause diagram was prepared to identify the technologies in consultation with farmers to remedy the problems. Identified technologies namely variety, spacing, intercropping, weed control, trash mulching, inorganic fertilizer application, bio fertilizer application, irrigation management, plant protection, mechanical planting and ratoon management practices were assessed and refined by conducting verification and on farm trials to make the farmers aware of the performance and for further spread. The performance of these practices resulted in further adoption and increased the productivity.