In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture, Yanmar Agri Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings, has unveiled deep-planting cultivation technology designed to boost sugarcane productivity while minimizing environmental impact. This innovative technology, developed in collaboration with the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), is set to revolutionize sugarcane farming, particularly in drought-prone regions.
The new technology addresses a critical challenge in ratoon cropping, a method that prioritizes high productivity and environmental sustainability. Over time, ratoon cropping can lead to shallower shoot emergence and reduced yields. Yanmar Agri’s deep-planting technique involves planting sugarcane at a depth of approximately 30 cm, significantly deeper than the conventional 10–20 cm. This method has already proven effective in the Philippines, demonstrating stable production during drought years and improved resistance to lodging, which can mitigate typhoon damage.
The implications of this technology are far-reaching. In the Philippines, the Department of Agriculture’s Sugar Regulatory Administration is promoting block farming, a collective system for small-scale farmers. Yanmar Agri is now launching full-scale sales of subsoilers and deep-planting planters tailored for this farming method. These tools are designed to optimize deep-planting sugarcane cultivation, enhancing productivity and income for farmers.
In Japan, demonstration trials are underway in collaboration with a local sugar factory on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture. This initiative aligns with Yanmar’s broader commitment to sustainable agriculture, as outlined in the Yanmar Green Challenge 2050. The technology promotes efficient land use, enhances resilience to environmental stressors, and minimizes resource consumption, all of which are crucial for a sustainable future.
Yanmar’s journey began in Osaka, Japan, in 1912, with the development of the first practical compact diesel engine. Today, the company is a global innovator in industrial equipment, spanning seven domains from agricultural machinery to marine and energy systems. The deep-planting technology is a testament to Yanmar’s ongoing innovation and commitment to addressing the challenges faced by farmers worldwide.
As Yanmar Agri rolls out this technology, it is poised to transform sugarcane farming, making it more resilient and sustainable. The collaboration with JIRCAS and the successful trials in the Philippines and Japan underscore the potential of this technology to improve agricultural practices globally. For farmers and agricultural stakeholders, this development offers a promising path towards more productive and environmentally friendly farming.
