SSI

1. AGRN 780: MASTER’S SEMINAR
CREDIT SEMINAR REPORT
SEMINAR ON: SUSTAINABLE SUGARCANE INITIATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY
SAM HIGGINBOTTOM INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE, TECHNOLOGY &
SCIENCES-
ALLAHABAD-211007, (U.P), INDIA.
SUBMITTED BY:
SUMAN KUMAR DEY
ID.NO .19MSAGRO070
M.Sc. Ag. (Agronomy).

2. Introduction:
• Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI) is also called “More with less” technology (or)
Bud chip technology which is inspired by SRI (System of Rice Intensification) method.
• It is a novel method of increasing sugarcane productivity with a set of agronomic package
of practices like bud chip settlings with application of improved production technology
for nursery management, transplanting methods, plant spacing, weed control and nutrient
management, irrigation schedule etc.
• It uses less resources and less input cost so it is seed-water-space intensive.
• Founded by ICRISAT (International Crop Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics) and
WWF (World Wide Fund for nature) in 2009 at Andhra Pradesh.
Needfor SSI:
• Sugarcane production has been fluctuating between 289.6 million tons to 385 million
tons in last 10 years & it increases demand for sugarcane and its by-products.
• Depleting water tables and mono cropping in conventional method results in low
productivity.
• In SSI water productivity is 40% and profit is 30%.
• SSI leads to healthier soil and plants supported by greater root growth and the nurturing
of soil microbial abundance and diversity. In addition, it has been found in farmers’
experience that using drip irrigation leads to a great saving of water, by as much as 80
percent. As such, SSI is becoming a focus for the industry, governments, as well as
financial institutions for its scaling up
• Studies on SSI and conducted researches state that method results in higher yield of 100-
130 t/ha and net returns (Gujja et al., 2009).

3. Major principles that govern SSI are:
1. Raising nursery using single budded chips:
Bud chips are normally removed from cane using a machine called Bud chipper. The
single budded chips carefully removed from healthy canes are used for raising nursery. By
raising nursery, high percentage of germination can be achieved within a week depending on the
agro climatic conditions. To raise the seedlings, the selected buds are placed individually in the
cones of plastic or biodegradable germination trays along with the coco-pith (coconut coir
waste). Through this method, a high percentage of germination can be achieved within a week,
based on the agro-climatic conditions. This method for seedling growing is found to be the best
among all the methods in terms of seed saving and proper cane growth
2. Transplanting young seedlings:
It is important to note here that this one month growth of seedlings achieved under SSI
method cannot be achieved even after two months in conventional method. The ideal age for
transplanting young seedlings from the nursery to the main field is 25 to 35 days, as they will
establish and grow better, with minimum loss due to transplantation shock. After proper grading,
stop giving water one day before transplanting. This will loosen the coco-pith in cavities and
help in easy removal of the seedlings for transplantation. The zigzag method of planting can be
followed to utilize more space and achieve maximum tillers. Plant-to-plant distance of 2 ft has to
be maintained for easy sunlight penetration and profuse tillering. For better access to sunlight,
follow a north–south direction of planting. However, the slope of the field should also be taken
into consideration. It is better to put the seedlings in equally-distanced small holes (2 ft distance)
made by pressing a hole with a wooden pole into the side of the furrow. Applying a
recommended quantity of basal fertilizer mixed with organic manures (FYM/compost/well-
decomposed press mud) adjacent to the holes before planting would help in boosting the growth
of the seedlings. Seedlings are to be planted in the moistened soil in the furrows with a gentle
thrust. Forced thrusting of the seedlings too deep may result in poor tillering. Do not place the
seedlings in the middle of furrows, this will hinder the root growth. To moisten the soil, irrigate
the field one or two days before transplanting. Similarly, irrigation is to be done immediately
after planting. Water will fill any air gaps around the plant if soil compaction is not proper.
3. Transplanting at wider spacing:
Wide spacing of 5X2 feet maintained in the main field leads to 45,000 to 55,000 millable
canes per ha are achieved because of more tillering. So, wider spacing in SSI cultivation not only
reduces the seed usage from 16,000 three budded setts to 4,000 to 5,000 single buds, but most
importantly it also supports easy air and sunlight penetration in the crop canopy for better and
healthy cane growth.

4. 4. Water management:
In SSI, water management is another crucial issue. It is emphasized that plants be
provided with sufficient moisture, rather than inundating the field with water. Flooded condition
during the crop formation stage will actually hinder the growth of the plant. By giving only the
required quantity of water, about 40 percent of water can be saved with more rather than less
yield. Give irrigation once in 10 days during tillering stage (36-100 days), once in 7 days during
Grand Growth period (101-270 days) and once in 15 days during Maturity period (from 271 days
till harvest). Drip irrigation can be practiced more effectively in SSI due to wider spacing and
the planting of single seedlings.
5. Fertilizer application:
The SSI method discourages high application of chemical fertilizers and use of
pesticides and weedicides. Farmers should incorporate more organic manures and bio-fertilizers
and follow bio-control measures as much as possible for best results.
6. Intercrop practicing:
SSI supports intercropping within sugarcane stands with crops like wheat, potato, cow
pea, french beans, chick pea, water melon, brinjal, etc., as there is wide spacing between the
rows. In addition to more effective utilization of land, this practice will reduce the weed growth
up to certain level and give extra income to farmers. Depending on location-specific factors,
different intercrops may be tried. It is advisable to select nitrogen-fixing legume crops as
intercrops, as they fix atmospheric N and improve the nutrient status of the soil upon
incorporation after harvest. Intercrops also act as live mulch and preserve moisture and reduce
the pest attack by being alternate hosts in some cases. Green manures raised as intercrop improve
the soil fertility on incorporation.
Irrigation Water saving
Furrow & alternate furrow 50 %
Drip system 40 - 70 %
Fertilizer or manure Quantity
N: P: K 112: 25: 48 kg/acre
FYM 8 – 10 tons/acre
Biofertilizers (Pseudomonas & Trichoderma) 2 kg/acre (on 30
th
& 60
th
day)

5. According to Thiyagarajan and his co–workers (2011), this tabular data shows yield obtained by
irrigation and fertigation in SSI method, among the different treatments subsurface drip irrigation
(SSDI) with 100 percent pan evaporation (PE) + 100 percent recommended dose (RD) of N&K
through fertigation (T1) and surface drip irrigation (SDI) with 100 percent PE + 100 percent RD
of N & K (T7) reported significantly higher (156.31 t/ha in main crop, 141.6 t/ha I ratoon crop,
144.78 t/ha in II ratoon crop) and comparable yield (151.07 t/ha in main crop, 136.36 t/ha in I
ratoon crop, 139.93 t/ha in II ratoon crop). Moderate and comparable yield was recorded in SSDI
with 100 percent PE + 75 percent RD of N&K (T2) &SSDI with 80 percent PE + 100 percent
RD of N&K (T3). Cane yield was distinctly lower in SSDI with 60 percent PE + 75 percent RD
of N&K (T6) and was at par with SSDI with 60 percent PE + 75 percent RD of N&K (T5) and
SSDI with 100 percent PE + 75 percent RD of N&K (T8). The reason for getting higher yield in
subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI) with 100 percent PE + 100 percent recommended dose might
be due to minimum crop growth competition, less water stress, high water spread across the bed
and optimum nutrient uptake. Higher water and fertilizer use efficiency with effect from water
and fertilizer applied directly to the root zone of crop based on their crop needs at various growth
stages might have contributed for higher cane yield under subsurface drip fertigation.
Sugarcane yield (t/ha)
Treatment Main crop
(2014-2015)
I Ratoon crop
(2015-2016)
II Ratoon crop
(2016-2017)
Pooled
data
T1
(SSDI+100%PE+100 % RD of N&K)
156.31 141.6 144.78 147.77
T2
(SSDI+100%PE+75%RD of N&K)
140.58 132.09 133.41 135.89
T3
(SSDI+80%PE+100%RD of N&K)
140.36 130.31 128.56 134.08
T4
(SDI+80%PE+75%RD of N&K)
130.71 121.47 123.39 125.07
T5
(SSDI+60%PE+75%RD of N&K)
120.98 112.93 110.85 115.25
T6
(SSDI+60%PE+75%RD of N&K)
116 106.04 109.92 112.85
T7
(SDI+100%PE+100% RD of N&K)
151.07 136.36 139.93 142.88
T8
(SSDI+100%PE+75% RD of N&K)
125.51 112.22 116.26 118
SE d 4.23 3.36 3.75 3.41
CD (p=0.05) 9.07 7.2 8.04 7.32
Table 1: Yield obtained by Irrigation and Fertigation in SSI method.

6. (Main plot : S1 – Double budded setts ; S2 – Single bud setts ; S3 – Chip budded seedlings; Sub plot : N1
– 100 % recommended NPK; N2 – 75 % recommended NPK + Azophos + insitu incorporation of
sunnhemp; N3 – 75 % recommended NPK + Azophos + foliar spraying of sugarcane booster; N4 – 75 %
recommended NPK + Azophos + insitu incorporation of sunnhemp + foliar spraying of sugarcane
booster).
According to Sugeerthi and his co–workers (2018), this tabular data shows effect of planting
material and integrated nutrient management on establishment percentage (45 DAP) and growth
attributes of sugarcane at harvest, in which the treatment number N4 (75 % recommended NPK
+ Azophos + insitu incorporation of sunnhemp + foliar spraying of sugarcane booster) is showing
the highest significant value of 246.35 cms plant height, 123.25 ‘000/ha tiller population, 92.21
t/ha dry matter production. The treatment number N1 (100 % recommended NPK) with 229.68
cms plant height, 112.35 ‘000/ha tiller population, 88.92 t/ha dry matter production, is
statistically at par to the highest significant value. Moderate yield was recorded in N3 treatment
(75 % recommended NPK + Azophos + foliar spraying of sugarcane booster) with 189.65 cms
plant height, 109.56 ‘000/ha tiller population, 82.12 t/ha dry matter production while distinctly
lower in N2 treatment (75 % recommended NPK + Azophos + insitu incorporation of sunnhemp)
with 218.56 cms plant height, 106.89 ‘000/ha tiller production, 80.21 t/ha dry matter production.
It is reported that under chip budded seedlings establishment method the well established root
system, effective absorption of nutrients and moisture in plants helps to increase the plant height,
number of tillers and dry matter production.
TREATMENTS
ESTABLISHMENT (%) PLANT HEIGHT(cm)
S1 S2 S3 S1 S2 S3
N1 72.77 70.24 87.65 191.36 187.52 229.68
N2 73.25 71.21 86.25 182.35 174.25 218.56
N3 71.37 69.35 85.25 189.65 181.25 223.26
N4 75.47 71.25 87.89 207.56 197.26 246.35
SE d 2.41 1.6 2.95 5.38 4.21 9.35
CD (p=0.05) 5.68 NS NS 12.69 9.81 17.21
TREATMENTS
TILLER POPULATION (‘000 /
ha)
DRY MATTER
PRODUCTION (t/ha)
S1 S2 S3 S1 S2 S3
N1 98.33 82.56 112.35 82.36 72.35 88.92
N2 91.25 68.57 106.89 77.21 69.56 80.21
N3 94.89 71.56 109.56 80.21 70.12 82.12
N4 102.12 90.98 123.25 86.54 81.56 92.21
SE d 2.65 1.78 4.54 2.01 1.67 3.74
CD(p=0.05) 6.25 4..16 8.36 4.75 3.89 6.88
Table 2 : Effect of planting material and integrated nutrient management on
establishment percentage (45 DAP) and growth attributes of sugarcane at harvest.

7. According to Rajula Shanthy and Ramanjaneyulu 2014, the tabular data shows socio economic
performance of cane cultivation under SSI method. This table shows a comparative difference
between conventional method and SSI method in sugarcane planting and provides their cost of
cultivation. Under SSI planting, there is a definite scope for reduction in cost of cultivation and
additional income due to increase in cane yield. Added to this, farmers also get a considerable
income from intercrops. The reduction in cost of cultivation was Rs. 13890 under SSI method
compared to conventional method. This was mainly due to the savings in planting material (Rs
4250.00), intercultural operations (Rs 4000.00), weed management (2940.00) and irrigation (Rs
2700.00). With an average cane yield of 118.14 t/ha and 64.74 t/ha under SSI planting and
normal planting respectively, farmers could get an incremental income of Rs. 119330.00.
Cost of cultivation per ha
Planting (Rs/ha)
Conventional
method
SSI method
1. Land preparation. 5387.00 5387.00
2. Setts / seedlings and planting. 22125.00 17875.00(4250.00)
3. Manures and manuring. 11250.00 11250.00
4. Plant protection. 3375.00 3375.00
5. Fertilizer application. 8775.00 8775.00
6. Intercultural operation. 9750.00 5750.00(4000.00)
7. Weed management. 4949.00 2000.00(2940.00)
8. Irrigation. 13500.00 10800.00(2700.00)
9. Harvesting charge. 19422.00 35442.00
10. Transport charge. 12948.00 23628.00
11. Total cost. 111472.00 124282.00
12. Saving. - 13890.00
13. Gross income (Yield: Normal - 64.74
t/ha, SSI – 118.14 t/ha@ Rs 2100/t).
135954.00 248094.00
14. Average income from intercrop. - 20000.00
15. Total. 135954.00 268094.00
16. Net income per ha. 24482.00 143824.00
17. Increment income under SSI (per ha). - 119330.00
Table 3: Socio economic performance of cane cultivation under SSI method.

8. Conclusion :
The study has concluded that in India sugarcane industry is facing the problem of sugarcane
supply due to existing farmer’s practice of conventional method and can effectively be replaced
by bud chip technology in sugarcane. The SSI is also called “more with less” technology which
helps to increase more profits and results in higher productivity. Therefore effort should be made
to increase the educational level and knowledge status of farmers about this latest technology.
The use of chip bud seedlings raised in nursery saves 60-70% of seed cost apart from better
growth and yield. The improved practices will enhance cane yield 18-20% and income Rs.
50,000 to 80,000 per ha, saving water up to 20-40%. This can be done only through innovative
technologies, of which Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative method is a promising one. Hence it is
very much possible to sugarcane farmers to reap greater economical benefits by maintaining
ecological sustainability.

9. References
Dr. Biksham Gujja, Dr. Loganandhan, N., Dr. Vinod Goud, V., Ms. Manisha Agarwal and Mr.
Sraban Dalai, (2019) March, A Training manual on Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative, an initiative
of ICRISAT and WWF Project, Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh.
Rajula Shanthy, T. and Ramanjaneyulu, S. (2014) September, Socio-Economic Performance
Analysis of Sugarcane Cultivation Under Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative Method Indian
Research Journal of Extension Education., 14 (3); 93-98.
Sugeerthi, S., Jayachandran, M., and Chinnusamy, C. (2018), June, Effect of Planting Materials
and Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield of Sugarcane Seed Crop Madras Agriculture
Journal., 105 (4-6): 141-146.
Thiyagarajan, G.,Manikandan, M.,Thenmozhi, S.,Natarajan, S.K.,Bhuvanes-wari J and
Prabhakaran, N.K., (2019) Optimization of Irrigation and Fertigation Scheduling for Sustainable
Sugarcane Initiative (SSI) through Subsurface Drip Irrigation in Western Zone of Tamil Nadu
Current Agriculture Research Journal ISSN: 2347-4688, Vol. 7, No.(1): 117-121.