Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is a perennial plant native to the tropic areas. Generally, the largest areas of sugarcane are located in the Americas (Brazil, Mexico, Columbia, USA, Cuba) and Asia (India, China, Thailand, and Pakistan). Sugarcane is one of the most important crops on the Island of Mauritius and represents 85% of the arable land and 45% of the total land area of the island. Although Mauritius is one of the large sugar producers, its production has fallen in the recent 20 years. In 2000 the area with sugarcane was around 73 000 ha and decreased to around 45 000 ha. An economically viable technology has to be developed for the complete package of sugarcane main product (sucrose) and waste. In Mauritius bagasse as waste from sugarcane is used to produce electricity. But these power stations work only for around 6 months during sugarcane harvest season. It could be optimised by burning other biofuels like wood and be operational over the whole year. After burning bagasse, the problem with the disposal of ash that is generated. Also, there is alcohol produced from the waste known as molasses, but the problem is with the utilization of the final waste which is vinasse. It can be encouraged to use these wastes and maybe this approach can have a positive influence on increasing areas with sugarcane in Mauritius.

Sugarcane, sugar, farming, industry, Mauritius.

agronomy

Presentation: poster