EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF IRRIGATION TECHNIQUES ON CARBON EMISSIONS IN BONSUCRO AND NON-BONSUCRO SUGARCANE CULTIVATION SYSTEMS

Abstract

Sugarcane is a major cash crop in Pakistan, playing a vital role in the national economy by supporting rural livelihoods and providing essential raw materials for multiple industries. However, its cultivation faces sustainability challenges due to high water requirements and associated environmental impacts. The extensive use of diesel-powered tubewell turbines for groundwater extraction significantly contributes to CO₂ emissions, thereby undermining sustainable farming initiatives.

This study presents a comparative assessment of carbon emissions from two sugarcane production systems: Bonsucro-certified (adhering to sustainability standards) and non-Bonsucro (conventional). Data were collected through field surveys and structured questionnaires, focusing on irrigation sources such as canal water, solar-powered systems, and diesel turbine systems. Results revealed that Bonsucro-certified farmers employed renewable energy sources along with sustainable practices such as mulching and irrigation scheduling, leading to reduced irrigation frequency and lower emissions compared to conventional systems. When relying solely on tubewell turbines, Bonsucro-certified farms achieved a 15% reduction in emissions, while the integration of solar-powered systems further enhanced this reduction to 18%.

Overall, the study underscores the importance of sustainable irrigation management in minimizing the carbon footprint of sugarcane production and promoting climate-resilient agricultural systems.