Maharashtra’s Sugarcane Cultivation Model to Be Implemented in Punjab

Study Tour of Punjabi Farmers Organized by S.S. Engineers

Pune: Impressed by Maharashtra’s advanced sugarcane farming practices, a group of Punjabi farmers has resolved to implement the state’s sugarcane cultivation model in Punjab with dedication. The occasion was a unique study tour organized by Mr. Shahajirao Bhad, Founder of S.S. Engineers, a renowned engineering company in the sugar industry.

A leading name in sugar plant manufacturing, S.S. Engineers has made significant contributions to the establishment of sugar factories across Maharashtra as well as in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Punjab, generating employment opportunities for farmers and local communities.

The Government of Punjab entrusted S.S. Engineers with the construction of the Batala Cooperative Sugar Mill and the Gurdaspur Cooperative Sugar Mill near Batala and Gurdaspur. Both projects have been completed, and sugar and power generation have been operational there for the past two years.

With a constant commitment to ensuring that farmers in this region achieve sugarcane yields and sugar recovery rates comparable to those in Maharashtra, Mr. Shahajirao Bhad recently organized a Maharashtra study tour for 20 farmers—two each from Batala, Gurdaspur, and other sugar mills in Punjab.

During the tour, the delegation visited the Vithalrao Shinde Cooperative Sugar Factory in Madha taluka and five nearby farms where farmers have achieved yields exceeding 100 tons per acre. The group inspected sugarcane plots in Tembhurni, Bhose, Jalali, and Karkamb, focusing on varieties Co 86032 and CoM 0265.

After observing the growth of 7–8-month-old cane crops, the number of tillers, and the healthy leaf color, the Punjabi farmers expressed their determination to replicate similar results in Punjab. On February 17, Mr. Digaraje, Executive Director of Vithalrao Shinde Cooperative Sugar Factory, along with Mr. Lagad from the factory’s agriculture department, guided the visiting farmers at all five locations. They explained practical strategies for achieving yields of over 100 tons per acre.

Prominent personalities present on the occasion included progressive farmer and head of the Us Sanjeevani Group, Krushibhushan Sanjeev Mane; senior agricultural scientist and sugarcane breeder Dr. Suresh Pawar; as well as the Vice Chairman, Chairman, and Directors of the factory. They addressed farmers’ queries and assured continued guidance to help Punjab improve both sugarcane productivity and sugar recovery.

On February 17, the delegation stayed overnight in Baramati and, on the morning of February 18, visited the Agricultural Trust and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Baramati to inspect sugarcane demonstration plots. Senior scientist and soil expert Dr. Vivek Bhoite provided detailed guidance, explaining ongoing experiments and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance sugarcane productivity and sugar recovery.

The group also visited demonstration farms in the areas surrounding Malegaon Cooperative Sugar Factory, Chhatrapati Sugar Factory, and Someshwar Cooperative Sugar Factory. In particular, they observed AI-based productivity enhancement trials at the farm of Mr. Bhagat, Director of Someshwar Cooperative Sugar Factory, followed by detailed discussions.

Throughout the day, Dr. Sanjeev Mane and soil scientist Dr. Vivek Bhoite provided continuous guidance and addressed farmers’ concerns.

During the study tour, the Punjab farmers expressed their strong desire to achieve sugarcane productivity and sugar recovery levels similar to Maharashtra. They invited Maharashtra’s scientists and progressive farmers to visit Punjab and continue guiding them. They also emphasized the importance of strengthening the sugar industry in Punjab—India’s border state—to boost employment and economic growth.

The entire study tour, including planning and financial arrangements, was organized by Engineer Shahajirao Bhad, Founder of S.S. Engineers.