AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATION

SUGARCANE

Sugarcane (Oos) is grown on a very small scale in the district and it occupied an area of 199 hectares in 1961-62. The acreage rose to 473 in 1971-72. Balapur and Washim were the main sugarcane growing tahsils of the district. The following table shows the area and outturn of sugarcane during the years 1961-02, 1965-66, 1970-71 and 1971-72.

TABLE No. 15

Area and Outturn of Sugarcane in Akola District in 1961-62, 1965-66, 1970-71 and 1971-72

The crop is generally grown in rich black soils. As it is an irrigated crop, it requires intensive cultivation, ample quantity of manuring and plenty of water. Before planting, farm yard manure is spread and ridges and furrows are prepared. Channels are also prepared for irrigation. The crop requires semi-hot climate. The crop is of three types viz., adsali, per-seasonal, and suru grown respectively in duly-August, October-November and December-January. The soil is ploughed twice and harrowed 6 times. 30 to 40 cart loads of farm yard manure is applied per acre. mixed with 200 kg. of N₂ 100 kg. of P₂ O₅ and 75 kg,. of K₂O. The seed cane is cut into pieces which are plants at the rate of about 10,000 to 20,000 per acre. The yield per acre in case of adsali is 50 to 60 tons, of pre-seasonal 50 to 70 tons and 70 to 80 tons in case of suru variety. The harvest season starts in December and lasts upto March. The plants are watered regularly. Inter-culturing and weeding are also done till the plants are young.

The yield per hectare of sugarcane in 1901-62 was 2475 kg. winch rose to 5833 kg. in 1971-72.

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