Indian Potash Limited Launches Sustainable Sugarcane Initiative in Kodinar to Boost Farmers’ Productivity
Kodinar (Gujarat) : Indian Potash Limited (IPL) has launched a comprehensive initiative to promote sustainable sugarcane cultivation and enhance farm productivity in Gujarat’s Kodinar region through a large-scale farmer workshop that brought together agricultural experts, technology partners and over 350 progressive farmers.
Organised by IPL’s Kodinar Sugar Unit, the “Farmer Workshop on Sustainable Sugarcane Cultivation” focused on equipping farmers with scientific farming practices, modern crop management techniques and water-efficient technologies aimed at significantly improving sugarcane yields and profitability.
The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. U.S. Tewatia, Chief Agricultural Scientist, Indian Potash Limited ; Mr. Yash Solanki, Unit Head, IPL Kodinar Sugar Unit; Mr. Yogesh Rathi, Unit Head, IPL Talala Sugar Unit; Mr. Shivabhai Solanki, Deputy President, Kodinar Municipality; and Mr. P.S. Dodiya, Chairman, Bileshwar Khand Udyog Mandali.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Tewatia outlined IPL’s long-term vision for the Kodinar region and highlighted the company’s farmer-centric initiatives designed to improve productivity and sustainability. He introduced IPL’s “10 Ts of Sugarcane Excellence” and “6Rs of Nutrient Management”, a scientific framework covering every stage of cultivation from land preparation and improved seed selection to balanced nutrition, weed management, timely operations and efficient water use. The integrated approach aims to improve sugarcane productivity, enhance sugar recovery and promote climate-resilient farming practices.
Dr. Tewatia also shared the future roadmap of IPL’s Cane Development Programme, which includes expanded farmer outreach, technical advisory services, demonstration programmes and regional development initiatives. Reaffirming IPL’s commitment to the farming community, he said, “Our guiding principle is ‘We are happy in your prosperity.'”
As part of the technical sessions, Mr. Girdhar Loh, State Head, Jain Irrigation Systems Limited, highlighted the benefits of drip irrigation and wider row spacing in sugarcane cultivation. He said that adopting drip irrigation can reduce water consumption by 40–60 per cent, increase crop yields by 20–40 per cent, improve fertiliser-use efficiency, strengthen root development and lower labour, electricity and pest management costs.
He noted that IPL and Jain Irrigation have jointly launched an initiative in Kodinar to provide farmers with advanced drip irrigation systems, scientific advisory support and quality agricultural solutions based on the “More Crop Per Drop” principle.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Harshal Sonawane, Head – Sustainability, UPL Sustainable Agri Solutions Ltd. (UPL SAS), highlighted the strategic partnership between IPL Sugars and UPL SAS. He said the collaboration would help improve productivity and profitability for sugarcane farmers through scientific interventions such as seed treatment, balanced nutrition, soil health management and efficient water use. He also introduced ZEBA® Super Absorbent Technology, which helps retain soil moisture, improves water-use efficiency and supports sustainable crop production under changing climatic conditions.
The interactive session saw enthusiastic participation from farmers, who sought affordable access to modern farm machinery, including small tractors, trench openers, sprayers and other implements. They also raised concerns over crop losses caused by wild boars and requested improved sugarcane seed varieties.
Responding to these issues, Dr. Tewatia assured farmers that IPL is committed to making essential farm machinery available at affordable prices, facilitating access to government support for solar fencing and ensuring the availability of improved sugarcane planting material to enhance productivity and crop quality.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Yash Solanki, Unit Head, IPL Sugars – Kodinar, who thanked the farmers, partner organisations and dignitaries for their active participation.
Representatives from Indian Potash Limited (IPL) Sugars, UPL Sustainable Agri Solutions Ltd. (UPL SAS), Jain Irrigation Systems Limited and other stakeholders from the sugarcane ecosystem attended the programme.
Through initiatives like these, IPL continues to strengthen its commitment to farmer welfare, sustainable agriculture, higher productivity and the long-term development of the sugarcane sector in the Kodinar region.