Many farmers, by burning the old crop are losing valuable organic matter being added to their fields. There are some wise ones who advocate leaving the old crop there and that would also reduce weed growth and hence also save on labour while of course, organic matter is added. Burning is said to damage little beneficial creatures living near the surface of the fields.
It is a most pleasing sight of the shiny, hairy, white flower heads of the s/cane in the fields against a blue sky. I love to see them too. Our state is also a prominent sugarcane growing area. Sugar mills are there, but jaggery making is a very profitable venture in many villages, located close to sugarcane fields.
