Case IH used its latest products to demonstrate the advantages of agricultural mechanisation at international sugar conference, Congres Sucrier 2012 held in Saint-Gillies-le-Bains, Réunion
The event brought together individuals from the local sugar cane commodity chain, international professionals, representatives of agricultural manufacturers and academics from France, Africa and Brazil.
Daniel Lacaille, managing director of Foucque Matériels, said, “The congress gave us the opportunity to highlight the benefits and opportunities of mechanization for the sugar cane industry, as well as the difference it can make in preserving the territory.”
Focusing mainly on field demonstrations that were sponsored by Case IH, the programme also included, panels and technical visits dedicated to growers, food processing companies associated with sugar cane production and representatives of the sugarcane ethanol industry.
The demonstrations took place at the Société Agricole de Bérive farm, in Réunion's southern region.
Richard and Bertrand Isautier, who own the farm, were enthusiastic to share their experiences with the attendees of the event explain the importance of their role.
Richard said, “Researchers have achieved up to 30 per cent increases in sugar cane yields over the past 20 years, and today growers in La Réunion enjoy the highest yields in the world. In our farm we can achieve as much as 130 t/ha, but in some parts of the island they can reach 170t/ha. Compare this to yields in Brazil or Australia, where yields don’t exceed 80 t/ha!”
The land cultivates 200 ha at low altitude with sugar cane destined for two sugar cane processing plants, Case IH said.
