A one-day event titled ‘Krishi Devobhava’ focusing on sugarcane cultivation was held at the Jiragi Hall of KLE Institute in Belagavi. The event, organized by NewsFirst Kannada news channel, brought together farmers, scientists, and industry leaders to address pressing challenges in sugarcane farming. Among the key speakers were Minister Satish Jarkiholi, Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, and NewsFirst CEO S. Ravi Kumar, who emphasized the urgent need for innovation and sustainable practices in sugarcane farming.
NewsFirst CEO Ravi Kumar: “Sugarcane Needs the Same Care as a Child”
NewsFirst CEO Ravi Kumar, drawing from his personal farming background, stressed the importance of reviving scientific cultivation methods to boost productivity.
He recalled how earlier generations achieved sugarcane yields of 60 to 70 tons per acre, while today, yields have dropped to nearly 35 tons per acre. According to him, the main reasons for this decline include soil depletion, improper fertilizer usage, poor irrigation management, and rising crop diseases.
“Farmers can achieve yields of up to 100 tons per acre if they monitor soil health, regulate water and fertilizer usage, and tackle pests effectively,” he said, adding that several successful farmers have already proven this. He compared sugarcane cultivation to nurturing a child, emphasizing the need for consistent care and attention.
Ravi Kumar also highlighted the efforts of NewsFirst in bringing agriculture to the forefront of mainstream media. Through initiatives like Krishi Devobhava on television and the NewsFirst Agri app, the channel is connecting farmers with experts, government schemes, and stories of progressive cultivators.
“Belagavi is the land of sugarcane. Farmers here requested that such a symposium be held locally rather than only in Bengaluru. Today’s seminar is meant for farmers to directly interact with scientists and resolve doubts,” he noted.
Also read: NewsFirst’s ‘Krishi Devobhav’: Progressive farmers honoured with ‘Bhu-Tapasvi’ Awards
Minister Satish Jarkiholi: “Technology and Crop Choices Must Evolve”
Minister Satish Jarkiholi acknowledged the large presence of sugarcane farmers in Belagavi district, home to 28 operational sugar factories with more in development. While sugarcane remains the backbone of the region’s economy, he cautioned against traditional cultivation practices that are no longer sustainable.
Jarkiholi emphasized that farmers often shift to crops based on immediate market prices rather than long-term soil and economic sustainability. This, he warned, has led to repeated losses. “Farmers must grow crops suited to their land. Merely chasing higher market prices creates challenges when support prices do not match production costs,” he explained.
The Challenge of Declining Yields and Soil Fertility
Like Ravi Kumar, Minister Jarkiholi also pointed out the sharp drop in yields—from nearly 60 tons per acre earlier to just 30 tons today. He stressed the importance of maintaining soil fertility and adapting modern techniques to arrest the decline.
“Technology has advanced greatly, and farmers must adopt it. Over-dependence on chemical fertilizers is harming productivity. We must shift back to organic fertilizers and natural soil rejuvenation practices,” he said.
Issues Facing Sugar Factories
The minister also drew attention to the challenges faced by sugar factories. He explained that factories fall into three categories—profitable, medium, and loss-making. However, those operating at a loss are still obligated to pay the same procurement price to farmers as profitable ones, creating a financial burden on the sector. This imbalance, combined with falling yields, is causing strain across the entire sugarcane ecosystem.
Focus on Pest and Irrigation Concerns
Farmers in Belagavi have also expressed confusion about tackling pests such as the Donna worm, a recurring issue in the region. Jarkiholi assured that the seminar would address pest management strategies and provide clarity on sustainable solutions.
On irrigation, he said that the government has already extended facilities to farmers but stressed the need for more efficient water management practices.
Towards a Sustainable Future
The seminar provided a platform for farmers to interact with agricultural scientists and experts. Both speakers—Ravi Kumar and Satish Jarkiholi—urged farmers to adapt to changing times through knowledge, technology, and sustainability.
With Belagavi’s strong identity as a sugarcane-growing region, the discussions at Krishi Devobhava are expected to guide farmers towards higher yields, healthier soil, and better long-term profits.