Sustainable Sugarcane Farming: Evaluating Resource Use and Economic Outcomes of Natural and Conventional Farming Systems

This study compared resource-use efficiency and economic performance of sugarcane cultivation under natural and conventional farming systems in Belagavi district, Karnataka, during 2023–24. Data were collected from 120 sugarcane growers using a multi-stage purposive random sampling method, with equal representation from both systems. A Cobb–Douglas production function, along with Marginal Value Product (MVP) and Economic Efficiency (EE) measures, was used to analyse input–output relationships. Results revealed comparable productivity across systems but significant differences in input use. Setts were overused, while farmyard manure and biofertilisers were underutilised. Economic performance can be improved through rational input adjustments, supported by targeted extension services for sustainable sugarcane farming and improved long-term farm-level decision-making efficiency.