Productivity and economics of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)-based production systems in subtropical India

A field experiment was conducted at the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, during 1996–98 and 1998–2000 with 3 cropping systems, viz. wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.)-sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L) + sugarcane and sunflower-sugarcane, and 3 planting materials for sugarcane (conventional 3-bud setts; setts obtained from 750 ppm a.i. ethephon sprayed solution in seed cane 10 days before planting and polythene bag-raised settlings-PBS). The highest number of millable canes (158, 700/ha), cane yield (116.9 tonnes/ha) and cane-equivalent yield (145.9 tonnes/ha) were obtained when sugarcane (ethephon sprayed) was planted with spring sunflower. Sugarcane intercropping with sunflower increased 41.43% cane yield (111 tonnes/ha) over sunflower-sugarcane system. Sunflower + sugarcane (CP) system produced taller cane (214 cm) than other systems. Use of polythene bag-raised settlings increased the cane yield by 17% in wheat-sugarcane system. The variation in cane yield was observed due to variation in date of planting under different systems. Sugarcane + sunflower (ethephon sprayed) system also produced the highest number of millable canes (159, 000) and cane yield (72.9 tonnes/ha) in subsequent ratoon. Sugarcane (ethephon sprayed) + sunflower system fetched highest net return (Rs 78, 000/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.27). However, for. late planting conditions in wheat-cane system the use of polythene bag-raised settlings was found quite remunerative (Rs 69, 596/ha net return and benefit: cost ratio 3.16)