BBelagavi is spearheading a critical new project. This innovative plan focuses on improving soil health and promoting sustainable farming. The goal is simple: convert sugarcane trash—the leftover plant residue—into high-quality organic fertiliser. This vital initiative is a joint effort. It involves the Agriculture Department, the Horticulture Department, and local sugar factories.
Read more : https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2025/Oct/29/belgavi-leads-plan-to-turn-cane-trash-into-fertiliser
The Problem: Why Cane Burning Must End
Sugarcane is a major crop in Karnataka. Currently, farmers cultivate it across approximately 7.45 lakh hectares in the state. After the annual harvest, farmers commonly burn millions of tonnes of leftover trash. However, this practice causes significant damage. It severely harms the environment. Furthermore, it destroys soil fertility. Crucially, the heat kills essential microorganisms that the soil needs to thrive.
The economic cost is also high. Pest infestations affect nearly 1.30 lakh acres of sugarcane annually. The new initiative directly addresses these issues. It strongly encourages farmers to reuse this waste material. This action restores soil productivity. In addition, it drastically reduces the heavy losses caused by pest infestations.
Key Goals and Project Implementation
The project has clear, primary aims. First, it seeks to enhance soil fertility. Second, officials want to increase crop yields. Third, it aims to reduce dependence on expensive and environmentally harmful chemical fertilisers. Using trash-based organic compost offers multiple benefits. It supports microbial activity. Moreover, it improves water efficiency. Finally, it reduces expenses related to weed control and pest management.
The Agriculture Department is executing the plan systematically:
- Pilot Area Selection: The programme selected 3,000 hectares of farmland across five districts for the initial phase.
- Belagavi’s Leadership: Belagavi and Bagalkot districts received a large share. They have been allocated 2,000 hectares for the pilot project. Belagavi district alone is targeting 1,300 hectares of land.
- Farmer Education: Training is a major component. So far, 114 sugarcane growers have received intensive, hands-on training. They learned effective composting techniques. This teaches them how to transform the residue into valuable organic manure.
- Machinery Assistance: The authorities are also providing assistance. This help covers the necessary composting equipment and machinery.
HD Kolekar, Deputy Director of the Agriculture Department in Belagavi, confirmed the effort. He stated that the innovative campaign is underway. It represents a vital partnership with sugar factories across the five districts.
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