A review of sustainable mechanization for sugarcane harvesting in India environmental impacts challenges and policy

Abstract This study examines the transition from manual to mechanized sugarcane harvesting in India through a sustainability indicators lens, evaluating environmental, economic, and social dimensions. A systematic review of literature, field data, and technological trends reveals that manual harvesting requires 850–1000 man-hours per hectare, whereas mechanized systems reduce labor to 3.3–4.2 man-hours per hectare, significantly lowering operational costs and post-harvest losses. Despite these efficiency gains, mechanization adoption remains low—only 10% of the harvested area uses mechanical systems—due to economic, technical, and infrastructural barriers. The analysis highlights the potential of mechanized harvesting to enhance productivity, reduce drudgery, and minimize pre-harvest burning, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions and supporting soil health. However, widespread adoption requires integrated policy support, region-specific mechanization strategies, custom hiring models, and farmer capacity building. This review underscores the role of mechanization as a critical sustainability indicator in advancing India’s sugarcane sector toward greater environmental resilience and socio-economic viability.