Long Term Impact of Organic and Inorganic Farming Practices on Productivity and Quality of Sugarcane

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 2014–15 to 2020–21 to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic farming practices on yield and quality of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three treatments, viz., control, organic and inorganic farming practices. The pooled analysis of 7 years data revealed that inorganic farming practices significantly influenced growth and yield parameters of sugarcane. Among the treatments, inorganic farming recorded the highest number of millable canes (76.72 ×10³ ha⁻¹), cane yield (85.00 t ha⁻¹) and CCS yield (10.06 t ha⁻¹), which were significantly superior over other treatments. However, organic farming resulted in higher sucrose content (18.05%) and CCS percentage (12.56%), indicating better juice quality. The study also revealed that organic sugarcane farming recorded a lower benefit cost ratio compared to inorganic farming. The higher cost of cultivation in organic farming is mainly attributed to the purchase of organic inputs. However, if farmers are able to produce organic manures on their own farms at minimal or no cost, the overall expenditure can be significantly reduced. Under such conditions, coupled with the premium price often received for organic produce, organic sugarcane cultivation can become economically profitable.