Sugarcane crushing machines ease locals

By Santosh Subedi,Kaski, Jan. 6: Previously, sugarcane crushing machines were known as ‘Kathekol,’ traditional wooden devices fixed into the ground. Bulls would rotate around three pivots to crush the sugarcane.

“Even after a day's work, we could only produce one tin (a 16-litre metal container) of syrup, said Kedarnath Adhikari from Dodobeshi while crushing sugarcane, recalling the old methods. “I have experienced crushing sugarcane with bulls for 90 days to extract syrup. Now, with modern electric sugarcane crushers, it has become much easier,” he said.

There are currently two machines in operation. The locals are often found pressing sugarcane with these machines. Two machines were brought in by the Dodobeshi Agricultural Group, involving 37 shareholders and another group with 20 shareholders to produce liquid from sugarcane.

“The investment in these machines came from the group and agricultural grants,” Adhikari said. This machine, imported from India, has made sugarcane crushing much more convenient. While bulls took an entire night to produce one tin, Adhikari can now extract four tins in just an hour using the machine. Although operating the machine takes some effort, it requires significantly less manpower, he added.

“For traditional methods, we had to pay for two bulls and the crushing setup. Two bulls would cost around Rs. 600. Now, with the machine, it costs Rs. 50 to 60 per tin, which is invested in the group's fund to purchase necessary supplies. The modern machine requires electricity,” he informed.

Last year, Adhikari earned Rs. 90,000. This year, he expects to earn Rs. 150,000 from selling sugarcane syrup. He considers sugarcane farming more of a source of employment than a monetary investment because it is closely tied to personal effort. According to Adhikari, cultivating sugarcane involves ploughing and tilling the land, similar to rice cultivation.

The top part of the sugarcane is planted in the ploughed fields and cow dung is used as manure along with sufficient water as needed. Sugarcane farming requires three rounds of weeding in a year. Adequate water supply is essential for a good harvest, he said.

Local farmer Ishwar Adhikari shared his experience, saying that the machine saves a lot of time in sugarcane crushing. He also observed an increase in farmers involved in sugarcane business compared to earlier times. 

“The machine has added to its appeal. It saves time, and farmers generally earn between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 200,000 during January and February,” he said. He also cultivated sugarcane on two ropanies of land.

Despite the potential for sugarcane farming, he expressed concern over lack of interest among young people. “We need to expand the market and promote the sugarcane business. It can generate a significant income in a short time,” he said.