2026 Planting Guide
Fall cropWhen to Plant Sugarcane in India
Complete guide to growing sugarcane in India with optimal planting dates, recommended varieties, soil requirements, pest management, and harvest timing. Data sourced from national agricultural research organizations and FAO.
Monthly Planting Calendar
Visual overview of the sugarcane growing season in India.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
20°C (68°F) minimum
Growing Period
300-365 days
From planting to harvest
Last Spring Frost
N/A
Tropical climate
First Fall Frost
N/A
No frost risk
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing sugarcane in India.
January - April
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
May - September
Grow & MonitorIrrigate as needed, scout for pests, apply side-dress fertilizer, and manage weeds.
October
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
November - December
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
Best Sugarcane Varieties for India
These varieties have proven performance in India's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Co 0238 | India climate |
| 2 | Co 86032 | India climate |
| 3 | CoC 671 | India climate |
| 4 | Co 0118 | India climate |
| 5 | CoLk 94184 | India climate |
Growing Tips for India
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced India farmers.
India is world's #2 sugarcane producer — UP and Maharashtra lead
Adsali planting (Jul-Aug) in Maharashtra for 18-month crop
Suru planting (Oct-Nov) or Ratoon crop are most common
Apply 300:100:150 NPK kg/ha with FYM at 25 t/ha
Red rot and smut — use resistant varieties and sett treatment
Pest & Disease Watch
Monitor for these threats throughout the growing season. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended.
Sugarcane borer
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Termites
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Whitefly
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Red rot
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Smut
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Companion Planting
These plants grow well alongside sugarcane, improving pest control, pollination, and nutrient availability.
Frost Dates
No Frost Risk
India has a tropical or subtropical climate. Frost is generally not a concern, but altitude-dependent cold spells can occur in some areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant sugarcane in India?
The optimal planting window for sugarcane in India is October 1 to March 31. Soil temperature should reach at least 20°C (68°F) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 300-365 days.
What varieties of sugarcane grow best in India?
The best varieties for India include Co 0238, Co 86032, CoC 671, Co 0118, CoLk 94184. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest sugarcane in India?
The harvest window for sugarcane in India is typically November 1 to April 30. The crop takes 300-365 days from planting to reach maturity.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), state agricultural universities, and FAO India. Last updated: March 2026.
Planting dates are averages and may vary by county, elevation, and local microclimate. Always consult your local extension office for the most precise recommendations.