Sugarcane Tops The Next Promising Industry in Negros

Sugarcane Tops is a bulk crop residue of sugarcane plant which is often left in the field and burnt to speed up land preparation. This tonnage of sugarcane by-product can be utilized but turns to be contributory factor to pollution. This study determined the biomass, nutritional value and total production of sugarcane tops using the top five varieties (VMC 84-524, VMC 84-947, VMC 86-550, PHIL 83-331 and VMC 88-354) by Sugar Regulatory Administration (2013-2014) at 8-9 months. Data gathered in 30 sites around Negros with 3 samples collected in every site. Weight of Sugarcane millable stalk, tops and trash were recorded and analyse using means and percentage. Dried SCT samples were analyse on its nutrient composition. The total production of tops is calculated based on the percent biomass multiplied by the production per crop year. Results revealed that the average biomass of SCT in Negros is 1.817 kgs. Of which comprises the following: 70.15% millable stalk, 20.55% sugarcane tops and 9.30% trash. Laboratory analysis shows that SCT has % CP of 7.42, Gross Energy of 4,356.67, % Crude Fiber of 22.54, % Crude Fat of 5.63 and % Ash of 5.48 which is comparable to the nutrient composition of nappier which is commonly feed to ruminant animals. The total sugarcane tops production for the crop year 2013-2014 is about 2,650,659 tons. Based on findings, SCT has a bigger potential in sustaining ruminant production and be able to minimizes the burning in field. Increase ruminant production through crop-livestock integration in Negros will eventually lower importation of meat and dairy products in the country.

Keywords: Industry, sugarcane tops, production, utilization