Question:

Under North Indian conditions, the plant crop of sugarcane should be harvested during which period to obtain profuse ratoon initiation?

Show Hint

Remember sugarcane harvesting for ratoon:
- North India: Mid Feb - Mid March
- Peninsular India: December - March
- Ratoon requires: Warm temperature + Adequate moisture
- Early harvesting may affect sucrose recovery; late harvesting may affect next season.
  • Mid Dec.-Mid Jan
  • Mid Jan.-Mid Feb
  • Mid Feb.-Mid March
  • Mid March-Mid April
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests knowledge of sugarcane harvesting timing for optimal ratoon crop initiation in North Indian conditions.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Ratoon crop is the regrowth of sugarcane after harvest.
For profuse ratoon initiation, the plant crop must be harvested when temperature and moisture conditions are favorable.
In North India, the ideal time for harvesting the plant crop to get good ratoon is mid-February to mid-March.
This period ensures:
- Temperatures are rising (15-25°C) for active growth.
- Soil moisture is adequate (post-winter).
- Daylight hours are increasing.
- The crop has completed maximum sucrose accumulation.
Harvesting in December-January (options A and B) results in low temperatures affecting ratoon growth.
Harvesting in March-April (option D) is too late and may affect the next planting season.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Thus, the correct period is Mid Feb.-Mid March, which corresponds to option (C).
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