Cane quality is an important factor contributing to the sustainability of our sugar industry. Low cane quality can be improved by implementing chemical ripening. With changes in crop spraying technology, small-scale growers (SSGs) can now use this technology of manipulating plant growth processes to accelerate cane stalk ripening. Decisions on when to apply chemical ripeners can be made on the farm using a hand-held refractometer in conjunction with the PurEst® smartphone app, and following this up by applying the recommended ripening chemicals using crop-spraying drones.
A previous SASRI project demonstrated that drone spraying of ripeners was efficient, and also improved RV yields significantly, bringing associated economic benefits. This project generated considerable interest among SSGs in chemical ripening and drone spraying technology.
A follow-up project, which began in 2024, aims to take the technology further by reaching even more small-scale growers. The project will showcase the economic benefits of drone ripening and the impact of implementing technologies that are best suited for the SSG sector. The goal is to encourage the advancement of drone ripening from successful single-field demonstrations (which was the scope of the previous project) towards implementing pilot sites, each covering several hectares, in different mill supply areas.
Three mill supply areas, namely Sezela (rainfed), Malelane and Komatipoort (irrigated) were selected for the first phase because these mills have chemical ripening subsidies, and the stakeholders had already showed interest through informal communication. This phase involved conducting exploratory chemical ripening surveys with SSGs, and engagements with regional working groups made up of various stakeholders (South African Farmers Development Association, South African Cane Growers Association, Millers, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, drone ripening contractors and SSG leadership). The project team appreciates the participation of all stakeholders as it is vital for the success of the project. Currently, the project team is conducting grower days to impart drone ripening technology to SSGs who will be part of the pilot sites. Once this phase of the project is completed, the project will continue in other mill supply areas.
Communicating information about drone ripening technology to regional working groups.
For more information on drone ripening technology, please contact your local SASRI Extension Specialist.
