Agri dept issues guidelines for September sugarcane sowing
The Punjab Agriculture department has issued recommendations for the September cultivation of sugarcane, advising farmers to plant the crop between September 1 and 30.
According to a department spokesman, loamy and heavy-loamy soils with good drainage and adequate organic matter are ideal. However, the crop can also thrive on light and relatively infertile soils with proper management. He cautioned that waterlogged and saline soils are unsuitable for sugarcane.
The department stressed preparing the soil to a depth of at least one foot, and incorporating well-decomposed farmyard manure before land preparation.
He recommended using a rotavator followed by a chisel plough twice in opposite directions, finishing with a conventional plough.
For September planting, medium-and late-maturing sugarcane varieties are preferred. Approved varieties for riverine and adjoining areas include:
- CP 400-77
- CPF 237
- SPF 213
- HSF 240
Other suitable options for these regions are:
- CPF 246
- CPF 247
- CPF 248
- CPF 249
SPF 234 is the recommended variety for southern Punjab, particularly in Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan districts, excluding riverine areas.
