Efficient irrigation management is essential for sustainable sugarcane cultivation, yet farmers in the Kolhapur division face challenges such as water scarcity, infrastructure limitations, and a lack of precise irrigation knowledge. This study systematically analyzes prevalent irrigation practices, sources of irrigation guidance, decision-making factors, and challenges faced by farmers. The results indicate significant regional variations in irrigation frequency and adoption of advanced methods like drip irrigation, with Kolhapur showing the highest adoption. ANOVA analysis reveals that while irrigation frequency differs significantly among farmer groups, sources of irrigation guidance remain consistent. Key challenges include water unavailability, infrastructure constraints, and difficulties in implementing automation tools. To address these issues, this study proposes two future strategies: (1) an Expert Opinion-Based Database for Irrigation Management to document best practices and provide data-driven insights and (2) a Knowledge-Based Expert System for Sugarcane Irrigation Management, integrating predictive modeling and real-time recommendations. These interventions aim to enhance irrigation efficiency, optimize water use, and improve decision-making for sustainable sugarcane farming.
A. K. Lokhande. (Mon,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: