In the heart of Ambegaon taluka, a silent revolution is underway, transforming the age-old tradition of sugarcane cutting. As of 6th March 2025, the landscape is dotted with harvester machines, their mechanical hums replacing the rhythmic thud of manual labor. This shift is not merely a change in method but a testament to the efficiency and speed that machines bring to the table.
The Bhimashankar Cooperative Sugar Factory, currently in the midst of its crushing season, is at the forefront of this transformation. While manual labor still plays a role, the factory has integrated 13 harvester machines into its operations. Each of these mechanical marvels can harvest up to 100 tons of sugarcane daily, covering approximately 1.5 acres. This efficiency is a game-changer for farmers who are increasingly opting for harvester-based cutting.
The implications of this shift are profound. For one, the use of harvesters minimizes losses compared to traditional manual methods. The machines cut the crop uniformly at ground level, collecting even fallen stalks, unlike manual cutting where sugarcane is sometimes burnt to ease the process. This not only ensures better-quality sugarcane but also reduces the environmental impact.
Moreover, the leftover sugarcane residue is finely chopped and spread across fields, acting as a natural fertilizer. This reduces water requirements in summer and promotes better regrowth of sugarcane stubble, leading to an increase in yield. On average, fields harvested with machines produce an additional 10 tons of sugarcane per acre compared to those cut manually.
The efficiency of harvesters is also crucial in the face of rising temperatures. Farmers are eager to complete the harvesting process quickly, and the machines, supported by six to seven vehicles for transportation, including in-field loaders, tractors, and carriers, ensure that the harvested sugarcane reaches the factory swiftly.
However, the success of harvester operation is contingent on dry soil conditions to prevent the machines from getting stuck. This is a challenge that farmers and factory officials are navigating, ensuring that the benefits of mechanization are not overshadowed by logistical hurdles.
The Bhimashankar Sugar Factory Chairman Balasaheb Bende Patil and Vice Chairman Pradeep Valse Patil have lauded the efficiency and speed of harvesters, highlighting the better-quality sugarcane cutting in less time. The factory’s Executive Director Chandrakant Dhage and Chief Agricultural Officer Dilip Kurkute have also emphasized the role of harvesters in promoting better regrowth of sugarcane stubble.
The Chief Sugarcane Officer Dinkar Adak and Agricultural Officer Someshwar Dixit have informed that the use of harvesters is gaining widespread acceptance among farmers due to these advantages. This shift towards mechanization is not just about keeping up with the times but about embracing a more efficient, sustainable, and profitable future for sugarcane farming in Ambegaon.
