Constraints in Sugarcane Trash Utilization in Tiruchirappalli district of Tamilnadu

Burning of sugarcane trash inside the field in India is a common practice among the farmers due to lack of labour availability and less time available for sowing of the next crop. This is a hazardous practice which has affected soil health, air, human health etc. leading to massive as well as monetary losses. The present study has been based on primary data collected from the sugarcane growers to highlight the constraints pertaining to this issue. Lack of labour availability, high cost for disposing and lack of knowledge on in-situ composting emerged as the major reasons for the ongoing practice. The different measures like creating awareness on in-situ composting and mulching technique were suggested by the farmers to deal with the issue. In-situ composting and trash mulching in sugarcane field can be a good alternate to mitigate these problems. Some of the measures to deal with the problem can be creating awareness among the farmers about eco loss and strict implementation of the law prohibiting the burning of crop residue, custom hiring of expensive machinery for chopping of straw, off farm utilization were suggested by farmers.