Organic Farming in Sugarcane: Current Status, Constraints and Prospects

Abstract

Organic sugarcane farming involves cultivation without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms while maintaining soil fertility and ecological balance. India, the world’s second-largest sugarcane producer, holds significant potential for organic cultivation, particularly in regions facing soil degradation and declining organic carbon. Sugarcane is a nutrient-exhaustive crop, and prolonged chemical fertilizer use has led to micronutrient deficiencies and reduced soil health. Organic approaches such as press mud cake application, trash mulching, green manuring with legumes, composting, and biofertilizers (e.g., Gluconacetobacter, Azotobacter, Trichoderma) help sustain soil fertility and partially substitute nitrogen requirements. Biological pest control and intercropping systems further enhance productivity and profitability. India has about 7.3 million ha under certified organic cultivation (≈5% of net sown area), with growing exports of organic sugar and rising domestic demand for organic jaggery and related products. However, organic sugarcane faces constraints including lower initial yields (15-25%), slow nutrient release, and limited availability of organic inputs, pest and disease pressures, labour intensity, certification costs, and weak marketing networks. Despite these challenges, supportive government schemes (PKVY, NPOP), expanding export markets, and increasing consumer preference for eco-friendly products offer strong prospects. Converting 5-10% of sugarcane area to organic systems could meet premium market demand without compromising national sugar and ethanol production.