Adoption Level of Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI) in Tamil Nadu

The Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative (SSI) is an innovative set of agronomic practices that involves using less seeds, raising seedlings in a nursery, and following new planting methods, with wider plant spacing, and better water and nutrient management to increase the cane yields significantly. Over all benefits of SSI is reduction in plant mortality rate, increase in the length and weight of individual canes, easy to transport the young seedlings to longer distance and easy intercultural operations because of wider spacing. Pudukottai district has one of highest area under SSI among the district of Tamil Nadu. The water plays the major role in determining SSI in the districtLack of awareness, initial investment cost, delay in getting subsidy and vagarious monsoon plays a vital role in non adoption of SSI technology in the study area. Among the recommended technologies, poor level of adoption was observed with technologies viz. , using chip bud, pro tray nurseries, 5*2 feet spacing, drip irrigation and organic fertilizers. The associated constraints were also studied and reported. While formulating the promotional strategies, the above factors should be considered and adequate weightage should given to ensure a fair level of adoption on these practices. The respondents have expressed a number of constraints in the adoption of the recommended SSI technologies in sugarcane. Each and every constraint will interfere with the process of adoption. The local extension functionaries and the scientists concerned should take initiatives in line with the suggestions offered by the respondents which also been studied and reported. This finding will help in formulating appropriate strategies by the policy makers and scientist to develop suitable mechanism to enhance the adoption level of sustainable sugarcane initiatives.