New Delhi: Indian Potash Limited (IPL) is promoting modern and sustainable agricultural practices in Gujarat to conserve water, improve sugarcane productivity and enhance farmers’ incomes. The company has launched several initiatives to encourage sugarcane farmers to adopt drip irrigation, fertigation, balanced nutrition and scientific crop management practices.

As part of these efforts, IPL and Jain Irrigation Systems Limited (JISL) entered into an agreement on July 8, 2026, to promote technology-driven sugarcane cultivation in Gujarat. Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate on surveying, designing, supplying and installing drip irrigation systems in sugarcane fields. They will also organise farmer training programmes and on-field demonstrations. In addition, farmers will receive assistance in accessing available credit and subsidy schemes for adopting micro-irrigation technologies.

Three-Year Partnership to Improve Productivity by at Least 15%

IPL’s initiatives extend beyond irrigation. The company has also entered into a three-year agreement with UPL Sustainable Agri Solutions to support sugarcane cultivation across approximately 2,000 acres in the command area of Kodinar Sugar Mill in Gujarat.

The initiative aims to improve sugarcane productivity by at least 15% through scientific farming practices, improved nutrient management, crop protection, soil-health management and digital technologies. The partnership seeks to promote sustainable cultivation practices that improve soil health while supporting better crop performance.

Promoting the ‘10 Ts of Sugarcane Excellence’

IPL is encouraging farmers to adopt scientific practices under the framework of the ‘10 Ts of Sugarcane Excellence’, which focuses on key measures to achieve better yields. These include improved tillage, high-yielding varieties, quality planting material, the use of Trichoderma, timely planting, weed management and better crop care.

The company is also promoting the 6R principles of nutrient management to improve resource efficiency, reduce waste and support environmental sustainability. These principles focus on the right source, right rate, right method, right time, right combination and appropriate water management.

Drip Irrigation and Fertigation for Efficient Water Use

Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone of plants, helping reduce water wastage and improve irrigation efficiency. Fertigation allows water-soluble fertilisers to be delivered to plant roots through the irrigation system, supporting more effective nutrient application and improved crop management.

In July, IPL also organised a workshop on sustainable sugarcane cultivation in Gujarat’s Kodinar region, bringing together more than 350 farmers. The programme provided guidance on modern crop management, water-use efficiency and improved agricultural techniques.

Experts from Jain Irrigation explained the benefits of drip irrigation and practices such as maintaining a four-foot row spacing. According to the company, under suitable conditions, drip irrigation can potentially reduce water consumption by 40–60% and improve productivity by 20–40%.

These potential benefits may vary depending on soil conditions, climate, crop variety, irrigation management and other farm-level factors.

Supporting the Revival of Cooperative Sugar Mills

IPL’s broader efforts in Gujarat are also linked to long-term investment in the sugarcane sector. The company is working towards the revival and modernisation of cooperative sugar mills in Kodinar, Talala and Valsad.

According to the government, the revival of these mills is expected to benefit thousands of farmers in the region by strengthening local sugarcane processing infrastructure and supporting the agricultural economy.

Building a Sustainable and Profitable Sugarcane Sector

IPL believes that strengthening sugar mills must go hand in hand with improving the productivity and profitability of sugarcane farmers. By promoting drip irrigation, fertigation, balanced nutrition, scientific crop management and digital advisory services, the company is working towards developing a water-efficient, sustainable and economically viable model of sugarcane cultivation in Gujarat.

The integrated approach is expected to benefit not only farmers but also the sugar and biofuel sectors by supporting more efficient resource utilisation, improved crop yields and a stronger agricultural value chain.