Sugarcane Sri Lanka

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

A Strategical Approach to Sugar Recovery Enhancement in Sevanagala using APSIM model

E.G.D. Chanaka*1, L.M.J.R. Wijayawardhana 2 ORCID, A.J.M.C.M. Siriwardana 3

ABSTRACT

The present study explored how environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature, and solar radiation affect sugarcane quality in the Sevanagala sugarcane plantation area of Sri Lanka. The research covered the period from 2017 to 2021. To identify the most suitable planting times and characterize the environmental interactions, the APSIM crop simulation model was utilized. This approach enables precise predictions based on regional climatic data and crop growth patterns. The current findings revealed a significant negative correlation between sugarcane quality and rainfall received during the period of three months prior to harvest. A positive relationship was observed between sugarcane quality and the average daily sunshine hours experienced over the five months prior to harvest. Based on the current results, the ideal planting time for the Yala season planting crops to maximize sugarcane quality was from the fourth week of March to the second week of April. For the Maha season commenced crops, the optimal planting period was from the fourth week of September to the second week of October. These findings offer valuable guidance for stakeholders in the Sevanagala sugar industry to strategically plan planting and harvesting schedules. Implementing these optimal timings can enhance sugarcane quality, improve overall productivity, and contribute to the sustainability and profitability of sugar production in the Lanka Sugar Sevanagala, Sri Lanka.

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Article Info:
- Volume: 05
- Issue: 01
- Pages: 51-57
- Corresponding author:- dumith.chanaka@gmail.com
Article history:
  • Accepted: 2026 March 27
  • Published: 2026 June 30
  • Available online: 2026 June 30
Cite this article:

E.G.D. Chanaka., L.M.J.R. Wijayawardhana., A.J.M.C.M. Siriwardana., 2026. A Strategical Approach to Sugar Recovery Enhancement in Sevanagala using APSIM model. Sugarcane Sri Lanka, 5(1), pp. 51-57