Mahindra Introduces AI-enabled Sugarcane Harvesting for SM Shankarrao Kolhe SSK in Maharashtra

Mahindra & Mahindra, a pioneer in the implementation of sugar-content-based harvesting for the country’s sugar industry, became the first company in the country to offer an AI-enabled sugarcane harvesting program. It has provided this facility to Sahakar Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe SSK Ltd. (formerly Sanjivani Sugars) in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.

Deployed during the 2024 crushing season for the entire registered sugarcane area under Sahakar Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe, the AI-based technology enables accurate estimation of sugar content for the timely harvesting of sugarcane crops.

Speaking on the development, Hemant Sikka, President of the Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said, “Artificial Intelligence applications can be extremely beneficial for agriculture and offer numerous advantages. One such application is our sugarcane analysis tool for the sugar industry, one of the most institutionalized sectors in agriculture. The deployment of AI on farmland under sugarcane cultivation enables the generation of valuable insights for vast tracts of land to boost outcomes, such as assessing the right time to harvest sugarcane for maximum yield and sugar recovery. Through technology, we at Mahindra aim to transform the way farming is done and are delighted to partner with SSK.”

Vivek Kolhe, President of Kolhe Sugar Factory, said on the impact of the technology, “Our mill is the first in India to implement an AI-based harvesting solution. We implemented a pilot project on over 3,000 acres of land three years ago, resulting in incremental profits and improved sugar recovery. Based on those results, we have decided to sign with Mahindra again this year and implement the solution across our entire catchment area. The revolutionary technology has the potential to benefit India's sugar mills and Indian farmers in the long term."

With the goal of revolutionizing sugarcane harvesting, Mahindra has worked with various sugarcane mills for over four years and is the first company to use AI-based harvesting in India. Mahindra uses sophisticated precision agriculture methods along with spectrometry and satellite imaging to accurately determine the amount of sugar present in the sugarcane crop. The AI algorithm analyzes the photosynthetic components of the crop leaves to identify and determine maturity stages and calculates when harvesting is optimal for maximum sugar yield and, ultimately, farmer revenue.

India is the largest producer of sugar. Sugarcane is a major cash crop in India. It is grown in several states across the country and contributes significantly to the national agricultural gross domestic product (GDP). It is a major source of food, fiber, feed, fuel, and chemicals.