Returns on Intercropping in Sugarcane Cultivation

Sugarcane is a major cash crop in Pakistan. It has aided the sugar industry's growth, improved farmers' socioeconomic situations, and contributed to economic development. Sugarcane is a primary source of monetary revenue for farmers. Monocropping, on the other hand, hinders diversification and causes profitability to fluctuate according to market and environmental challenges. Intercropping, the practice of cultivating two or more crops at the same time, has emerged as a feasible approach for diversifying revenue streams, improving soil health, and mitigating market volatility risks.

Because sugarcane takes a long time to mature, growers must wait 10–14 months before they get returns on their investment. Enough room is also left between the two rows while planting it. Until the plants are fully developed, this space is left free. So Short-duration crops can be cultivated there without compromising cane productivity. Intercropping makes greater use of available land by utilizing the spaces between sugarcane rows, which are frequently underutilized during the early growth stages of sugarcane.

Furthermore, it is labor-intensive, requires a lot of input, and competes fiercely with cotton and other garden crops. Sugarcane's economics are called into doubt when growers profit more from other crops. Farmers use a variety of intercropping strategies to increase their income per acre. Farmers can supplement their income before the sugarcane harvest by growing short-duration crops such as vegetables (e.g., tomato, okra, onions etc.) or legumes (e.g., mung beans, lentils). Legumes fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, minimizing the requirement for chemical fertilizers and increasing soil fertility for future crops.

Data collected from farmers in the major sugarcane growing districts of Sindh show significant economic benefits from intercropping in the sugarcane. According to survey results, farmers are adopting the following major intercrop combinations in sugarcane: sugarcane + sunflower; sugarcane + onion; sugarcane + wheat; sugarcane + coriander; sugarcane + mustard; sugarcane + tomato; and sugarcane + cabbage and spinach. The economics of various intercropping were investigated, and it was shown that sugarcane + onion + wheat produced the highest net profit. Furthermore, the best inter-crop combinations were sugarcane + onion and sugarcane + tomato. Farmers who used intercropping in sugarcane reported a 25 to 30% increase in total earnings compared to monocropping.

intercropping in sugarcane often necessitates more work, resulting in more productive job prospects and greater earnings. Many studies have shown that intercropping increases growers' net income and creates job opportunities for landless and owner-occupied household families.

Intercropping Adoption Challenges in Sindh

The adoption of intercropping in Sindh, particularly in sugarcane farming, faces multiple challenges despite its potential to enhance productivity and income for farmers. While intercropping allows farmers to utilize land efficiently and gain additional income from short-duration crops, there is limited research available on the cost of production, profitability, and the various agronomic factors affecting yield under different intercropping strategies. This lack of information makes it difficult for farmers to make informed decisions regarding the selection of suitable crops and best management practices.

Although intercropping has been practiced for generations, its scientific evaluation has only recently gained attention among researchers and policymakers. The increasing interest in intercropping stems from the substantial profits that sugarcane farmers can generate by cultivating additional crops alongside their primary cash crop. Short-duration crops such as pulses, vegetables, and oilseeds can be effectively intercropped with sugarcane, providing both economic and soil health benefits. However, a knowledge gap persists, as many farmers are unaware of optimal intercropping techniques, suitable crop combinations, and the agronomic measures required for successful implementation. Without proper extension services and training programs, farmers struggle to adopt these methods effectively.

One of the major obstacles in intercropping adoption is the inefficient irrigation system in Sindh. Many farmers experience uneven water distribution, making it difficult to allocate water efficiently between sugarcane and intercrops. Since sugarcane is a water-intensive crop, ensuring adequate moisture for both crops become challenging, especially in areas where water shortages are frequent. Poor irrigation infrastructure, outdated water management practices, and climate variability further exacerbate this issue, making intercropping a riskier endeavor for farmers who rely on consistent water supply.

The initial investment required for intercropping also poses a barrier to widespread adoption. Farmers need additional seeds, fertilizers, and labor, which can be financially burdensome, particularly for small-scale and resource-constrained farmers. Many hesitate to invest in intercropping due to uncertainty about returns and the potential risks involved. Additionally, access to quality inputs and credit facilities remains limited, further discouraging adoption.

Addressing these challenges requires targeted interventions, including increased research on intercropping strategies, improved extension services to educate farmers, better water management solutions, and financial support mechanisms. By overcoming these barriers, intercropping can become a viable and profitable practice, benefiting both farmers and the agricultural sector in Sindh.

Conclusion

Intercropping in sugarcane farming presents a promising opportunity for farmers in Sindh to enhance productivity, increase income, and improve soil fertility. The practice has been shown to provide significant economic benefits, with certain crop combinations yielding higher profits than monocropping. By making use of underutilized land between sugarcane rows, farmers can cultivate short-duration crops that not only supplement their income before the main harvest but also contribute to sustainable agricultural practices by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Additionally, intercropping creates employment opportunities by increasing labor demand in rural areas.

However, despite these benefits, the adoption of intercropping remains limited due to several challenges. A lack of awareness, inadequate research on the best practices, water distribution issues, and financial constraints hinder farmers from fully utilizing this technique. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including increased research, better access to extension services, improved irrigation management, and financial support for small-scale farmers. By overcoming these barriers, intercropping can become an integral part of sugarcane farming, ensuring both economic stability and long-term agricultural sustainability in Sindh. With the right policy interventions and farmer support, intercropping has the potential to transform sugarcane farming into a more resilient and profitable system.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

Aslam Memon is Director at PARC-SSRI, Tandojam and Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar is Professor at Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Pakistan

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