In a ground-breaking move to transform the state’s sugarcane farming ecosystem, Maharashtra’s leading sugar industry bodies have joined forces to promote Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the next big catalyst for growth and productivity enhancement.
The initiative has garnered global attention, with contributions from 71 scientists from the US and 16 from the UK, alongside partnerships with technology giants like Microsoft and Oxford University, ensuring world-class technological adaptation.
The Vasantdada Sugar Institute (Pune), Agricultural Development Trust (Baramati), Maharashtra State Cooperative Sugar Factories Federation Ltd., and West Indian Sugar Mills Association hosted a seminar titled “Artificial Intelligence for Increasing Sugarcane Productivity” recently in Pune.
The event witnessed the participation of former Union Minister Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Cooperation Minister Balasaheb Patil, and other political leaders associated with the sugar industry, signalling a strong commitment to revolutionizing India’s sugarcane sector.
On this occasion, an MoU was signed between the Vasantdada Sugar Institute and Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati, to jointly develop and deliver AI-based solutions tailored for Indian farmers.
Addressing the gathering, former Union Minister Sharad Pawar emphasized the urgent need for technological intervention in sugarcane cultivation.
“While our factories have enhanced their crushing capacities, the availability of sugarcane has not kept pace, leading to operational periods shrinking to less than 100 days per season. To sustain the industry, boosting per-acre productivity is the only viable solution, and AI can be a game-changer in this direction,” Pawar said.
He also released a booklet titled “Artificial Intelligence and Sugarcane Farming”, offering guidance to farmers and stakeholders on integrating modern technology into traditional farming practices.
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar highlighted the sector’s pressing challenges, noting that the total sugarcane cultivation area in India has dropped by 6.65% in 2024–25, accompanied by an 11% reduction in crushing volumes compared to the previous season.
“Such alarming trends demand urgent action. AI-driven tools can optimize farm inputs, maximize yields, and safeguard both cooperative and private mills from financial distress,” he stressed.
Cooperation Minister Balasaheb Patil underlined that despite the rise in crushing capacity, actual crushing seasons have reduced to just 90–120 days, far below the desired 150–160 days, causing economic strain on sugar factories. “The widespread use of AI is now not a choice but a necessity to secure the industry’s future,” he urged.
Farmers in select operational areas have already begun adopting AI-driven techniques, with early reports indicating promising improvements in productivity and profitability.
The event also saw the National Federation of Sugar Cooperative Factories’ former Chairman Jaiprakash Dandegaonkar reiterating the role of AI as a pivotal force in transforming Maharashtra’s sugar economy.
Industry leaders unanimously agreed that embracing AI-based solutions is key to ensuring sustainable growth, safeguarding farmer incomes, and rejuvenating Maharashtra’s vital sugar cooperative movement, turning a looming crisis into an opportunity for technological progress and prosperity.
