Sugarcane crop is commercially cultivated across the country. Uttar Pradesh state has approximately 23 lakh hectare sugarcane area of the 50 lakhs sugarcane area of the country. In recent years, this state has achieved a better position in sugar production in the country. During sugarcane cultivation, farmers are applying quantum chemical fertilizers besides the recommended dose of fertilizers. The recommended dose of fertilizers for sugarcane cultivation in the sub-tropical region of the country is in the ratio of 150:60:60 (N,P,K). Phosphatic and potassic fertilizers are applied at the time of planting as a basal application. Only one-time application is done to fulfill the requirements of these plant nutrients. Nitrogenous fertilizers are applied in three split doses and advised to be used within 90 days of the crop or before the onset of the monsoon. To reduce our dependency on phosphatic fertilizers, minimize the cost of cultivation as well as enhance crop yield, a phosphate solubilizing microbial product named Ikshu PSB was developed and validated in experimental trials. Field level demonstrations were conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, and Farmers Field of Lakhimpur district, Uttar Pradesh. It was recorded that Ikshu PSB treated field had better cane yield. The increased cane yield was 23.74 percent higher than the standard control. Based on this, net income was calculated and found a 57.67 percent increase compared to non-treated fields. The monetary return was also 24.41 percent higher. Besides this, it was noticed that crop loss caused by biotic factors mainly due to diseases was negligible in treated fields. While some borer damages were noticed by in both treated and non-treated fields. The technology was demonstrated to sugarcane growers, students, and researchers during various institutional activities. The technology has been commercialized with a private agency for its mass multiplication and distribution to the benefit of sugarcane growers in the subtropical regions of the country.
Ikshu PSB, Sugarcane Crop, Sugarcane, Microbial Inoculant, Phosphate Solubilizing
