Growers seek Maharashtra-style AI model for sugarcane cultivation

Seeking adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based technologies in sugarcane cultivation to reduce costs and improve productivity, the State Sugarcane Growers’ Association has urged the State government to implement a Maharashtra-style model even as it raised concerns over rising agricultural input costs and warned of agitation if farmers’ issues remain unaddressed.

Addressing a press conference in Mysuru on Tuesday, State Sugarcane Growers’ Association president Kurubur Shanthakumar said representations had been submitted to the Chief Minister, Agriculture Minister and Sugar Minister seeking introduction of AI-based technologies in sugarcane farming.

He also stressed the need to ensure timely availability of sowing seeds, urea, DAP and other fertilisers, while opposing any increase in prices during the cropping season.

Alleging that both the Centre and the State governments were preoccupied with political criticism while neglecting farmers’ concerns, he warned that the association would launch street protests if its demands were ignored.

Mr. Shanthakumar opposed repeated hikes in petrol and diesel prices, stating that higher fuel costs would directly affect farm operations and raise production expenses at a time when farmers were already burdened by increasing prices of fertilisers and seeds.

The farmer leader also objected to the proposed white-topping of roads in Mysuru city, arguing that cement-based roads could adversely affect the environment and contribute to rising temperatures. He called for well-maintained asphalt roads instead and urged the government not to yield to pressure from cement manufacturers.

Raising another concern, Mr. Shanthakumar alleged that attempts were being made to withdraw free electricity supply for agricultural pump sets and criticised the tender process to hand over power distribution operations to private entities, terming it an “anti-farmer” move. He demanded that the process be stopped immediately.

Several office-bearers and members of the association were present at the press conference.