Launched in 2024, Project 101 is a transformative initiative focussed on improving farmers' income through practical, science-based agricultural practices. By introducing methods like trench planting, bio-compost fertilisation, and water-efficient irrigation, the Project shows that sustainable sugarcane farming can be both profitable and climate-resilient. The goal is clear: improve the livelihoods of sugarcane farmers while safeguarding natural resources.
Our Vision: To expand these straightforward interventions across more sugarcane farming communities, creating a lasting, sustainable future for farmers.
Yash Dhruv Sawhney
Yash Dhruv Sawhney is a student at Winchester College, UK, with a strong academic foundation in mathematics, science, and geography. He founded the Ek Sau Ek (101) Project, which integrates scientific farming techniques with traditional agricultural practices to improve sugarcane yield and farmer income in India. Through this initiative, he has collaborated with over 100 farmers, distributed educational pamphlets reaching 40,000 individuals, and partnered with Hakdarshak to facilitate access to government financial aid. His work has been featured in national media, exhibited at the Chennai Photo Biennale, and recognized in international film festivals through a documentary he helped create.
Yash has also conducted research on precision farming and ethical business practices, co-authoring a paper submitted to the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists. He has interned at the Winchester College Treasury, contributing to archival projects, and gained experience in art conservation. He also hosts The Mindful Muncher, a podcast exploring food chemistry and agriculture. With accolades in mathematics, physics, and sustainability competitions, Yash has a dynamic and well-rounded approach to learning and leadership.
What began in 2024 as Project 101—a small yet ambitious initiative with just 100 farmers—has now become a movement. Inspired by the tangible results achieved in the first phase, a wave of sugarcane growers expressed their eagerness to join. Listening to this call, we expanded the programme to include 1,000 motivated farmers in the current phase.
The transformation speaks for itself:
Developed through research and consultations, this tool guides farmers to plant at optimal times, improving yields and reducing input costs.
These educational materials address common misconceptions in sugarcane farming, promoting practical, evidence-based approaches.
On-ground demonstrations allow farmers to see these methods in action, encouraging adoption through direct experience.
These practical, research-backed methods are central to Project 101’s mission: providing farmers with tools and knowledge that improve yields, increase incomes, and support sustainable farming.
By digging 30 cm deep trenches with 4-feet spacing between rows, farmers can increase sugarcane yields by 15%-18%. This method also allows for mixed cropping, where food grains like black gram and green gram are grown alongside sugarcane, providing farmers with an additional source of income.
Unlike traditional flood irrigation, this technique delivers water directly to the roots, cutting water use by 30%. It's a simple change that conserves water while supporting healthy crop growth.
Intercropping sugarcane with crops such as tomatoes, cauliflower, and green gram has generated additional revenue gains of up to 18% for farmers. The intercrop residues serve as effective green manure, helping to increase sugarcane yield while improving soil fertility.
Project 101 promotes bio-compost made from cow dung and farmyard manure. Regular use has increased soil organic carbon levels by over 0.50%, improving soil health and long-term fertility.
Instead of burning sugarcane residue, it’s reused as mulch. This helps retain soil moisture, reduce chemical use, and cut carbon emissions by preventing crop burning.
Soil tests conducted across 100 farms guide fertiliser use. This approach prevents chemical overuse, improves crop health, and boosts yields.
Treating sugarcane seeds with Imidacloprid and Thiophanate-Methyl protects against pests and fungal diseases, increasing germination rates and reducing losses.
Applying this natural fungal agent helps prevent soil-borne diseases, promoting stronger, healthier crops.
Drones are used to spray micronutrients evenly across tall crops, ensuring proper nutrient distribution while saving on labour costs.
Based on soil test results, potash is applied during the earthing-up process. This strengthens plant roots, improves juice quality, and increases cane weight, directly boosting yields and profitability.
Using single-bud seed sets reduces seed costs by 62% and raises germination rates to nearly 90%. It’s an efficient method that enhances nutrient uptake and promotes better crop development.
To prevent lodging (when crops bend due to wind or rain), farmers tie sugarcane stalks together. This practice, used across all 100 plots, protects yields and ensures healthier crops through harvest.
Selecting the right sugarcane varieties was a crucial step for Project 101, especially given the unpredictable climatic conditions. While CO-0238 had been the most common variety, its vulnerability to Red Rot disease and ageing effects made finding alternatives essential. Four high-performing varieties were selected to ensure better yields and resilience:
CO-118
CO-98014
CO-15023
COLK-14201
Soil treatment is often overlooked by farmers. Under Project 101, we introduced Trichoderma harzianum to combat soil-borne diseases like Red Rot (Colletotrichum falcatum).
Additionally, Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO₄) and Calcium Nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂] were applied in various plots, promoting overall plant growth and better yields.
Myth Ground-level harvesting/ stubble shaving with Ratoon Management Device is not important
DisadvantageHigh stubble length reduces millable sugarcane
FactGround-level harvesting/ stubble shaving with Ratoon Management Device is very important
AdvantageIt improves millable sugarcane and yield, leading to higher income
Myth Burning sugarcane trash has no negative impact
DisadvantageBurning sugarcane trash depletes soil nutrients, beneficial microbes, and nitrogen
FactMulching sugarcane trash increases organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrients in the soil
AdvantageMulching also conserves soil moisture, controls weeds, and increases sugarcane yield
Myth Delayed ratoon management has no negative impact
DisadvantageDelayed ratoon management reduces tillering and yield
FactTimely irrigation, hoeing, and weeding help in better tillering
AdvantageTimely irrigation, weeding/hoeing, and nitrogen application are beneficial for ratoon crop growth and yield
Myth Gap filling in ratoon is not required
DisadvantageWithout gap filling, sugarcane yield will be lower
FactGap filling is very important
AdvantageGap filling is done by planting two-budded sets or pre-germinated sets in the gaps; it leads to higher yield
Myth Ratoon crop needs the same amount of nitrogen as the spring sugarcane plant crop
DisadvantageLess nitrogen in ratoon leads to lower yield
FactThe ratoon crop needs 20–25% more nitrogen compared to the spring crop
Advantage20- 25% extra nitrogen leads to better ratoon yield
Myth Applying a basal fertiliser dose over seeds is effective
DisadvantageThis can damage the bud resulting in wastage of fertilisers (excess cost)
FactApplying basal fertilisers in the furrow before planting is more effective
AdvantageThis ensures proper nutrient uptake and minimizes fertiliser wastage
Myth A thick and excess soil covering over sugarcane seeds is better
DisadvantageThis results in less and delayed germination
FactA light soil covering of 5 to 6 cm over sugarcane seeds is ideal
AdvantageThis enhances germination and root aeration which will improve yield
Myth Flood irrigation provides more water to the crop and is the best method
DisadvantageFlood irrigation leads to poor tillering, unnecessary water usage and low yield
FactFurrow irrigation is a much more effective method of supplying water
AdvantageIt requires less water which lowers costs and improves yield
Myth Earthing-up has no effect on the sugarcane crop
DisadvantageNot doing Earthing-up causes sugarcane logging (falling over)
FactEarthing-up with Potash is beneficial
AdvantageIt stabilises the plant and supports growth and improves yield
Myth Planting in a row distance of 2 to 2.5 feet is the best
DisadvantageThis requires extra seeds and results in less millable sugarcane. It also doesn’t allow for intercropping which can lower income
FactA row-to-row distance of minimum 4 feet is better
AdvantageIt requires fewer seeds and improves yield and allows intercropping which results in extra income
Haqdarshak is an eight-year-old social impact organisation dedicated to making access to welfare schemes easy and transparent. Present in 25 of India’s 28 states, Haqdarshak uses a combination of technology and a field network of support agents — primarily women — to connect farmers, informal workers, micro-businesses, and underprivileged families to government schemes and financial services.
A digital card enabling individuals to access information about their entitlements, including social security, government schemes, and financial services.
Target-driven doorstep service delivery for both government-sponsored and private welfare schemes.
The model focusses on creating livelihood opportunities for the trained cadre of service agents.
Community-led centres that provide sustainable, local access to social protection services.
Programs aimed at increasing awareness of digital tools and financial services, supporting education, skill development, and entrepreneurship.
Facilitating access to schemes related to climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Hosting government schemes on third-party apps through seamless API connections.
HQ trains the Field agents (HDs) and deploy them in Sabitgarh Triveni's team helps in identifying farmers
Haqdarshaks (HDs) mobilise the targeted farmers by making them aware of welfare schemes and also liaisons with local Govt. Departments
HDs facilitate 1:1 screening of the targeted farmers and inform them about eligible schemes/documents
The farmers are guided on getting documentation ready & apply for their required schemes
Each farmer is issued a Triveni co-branded Yojana Card™ that they can use to access additional benefits
HDs collect required documents to apply for the scheme/document
HDs submit the application online or at the nearby government departments
HDs follow-up with the local govt. departments regularly for benefit transfer
HDs to ensure that eligible farmers receive the coverage/benefit of the schemes applied
Project 101’s innovative methods have shown significant improvements over conventional sugarcane cultivation practices, delivering measurable benefits in yield, input efficiency, and overall crop health.
Seed Savings and Better Germination: Project techniques led to noticeable savings in seed quantity while improving germination rates, ensuring healthier and more uniform crop stands.
Improved Tillering and Millable Cane: Enhanced tillering resulted in a higher number of millable canes, directly contributing to increased yield potential.
Stronger Cane Growth: Sugarcane exhibited improved girth and height, indicators of robust plant health and better juice content.
Enhanced Sunlight Interception: The 4-feet spacing between rows allowed for better sunlight penetration, which boosted photosynthesis and overall plant vigour.
Efficient Resource Utilisation: Wider spacing improved the absorption of irrigated water and applied fertilisers, maximising resource use.
Simplified Field Operations: The space between rows made it easier to perform intercultural activities such as:
Weeding
Hoeing
Spraying
Earthing-up
Propping
Intercropping Opportunities: The wider row spacing also enabled farmers to cultivate intercrops like tomato, cauliflower, and pulses, diversifying income sources and optimising land use.
Plots using Project 101’s methods consistently outperformed control plots in yield, proving that the combination of improved techniques and proper spacing can lead to higher productivity with lower input costs.
These results highlight the effectiveness of Project 101’s interventions, demonstrating that thoughtful adjustments to traditional practices can deliver tangible benefits for farmers.
The success of Project 101’s interventions, such as furrow irrigation and trench planting, demonstrates their potential for replication across India. These methods have improved water use efficiency and crop yields, with the initiative aiming to reach over 1,000 farmers by 2026. By promoting practical, field-tested solutions, Project 101 addresses the need for scalable farming techniques adaptable to different regional conditions.
India’s ethanol-blending mandate targets a 20% blend by 2025, positioning sugarcane-derived ethanol as a key solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Project 101 supports this national objective by encouraging sustainable sugarcane production for ethanol. By focussing on environmentally responsible cultivation methods, the initiative contributes to cleaner energy sources while offering farmers an alternative income stream.
Water scarcity poses a significant challenge to agriculture in many parts of India. Project 101 addresses this by promoting targeted irrigation techniques like furrow irrigation, which significantly reduces water consumption. These methods not only conserve vital water resources but also align with global sustainability goals, ensuring long-term viability for sugarcane farmers in water-stressed regions.
The use of new techniques has increased sugarcane by 25-30%, with improved quality. The sugarcane now grows up to 13 feet, earlier it was just 9-10 feet.
Project 101 has brought a lot of improvement to our lives. With the increased sugarcane yield, our income has grown, and we were able to build a new house.
Our sugarcane yield has improved, and whenever there’s a new farming technique or technology, we learn about it quickly. It feels good to stay updated and see real growth in our fields.
In the 2024–25 season, we launched Project 101, a targeted rural development programme aimed at enhancing sugarcane productivity while strengthening the socio-economic resilience of farming communities. Implemented across 26 villages in Bulandshahr district and engaging 100 farmers, the initiative delivered expert-led capacity building on easy to adopt sugarcane cultivation practices, adoption of scientifically backed practices and precision-driven crop management. In collaboration with Haqdarshak, we further facilitated farmer enrolment in government welfare schemes, thereby improving access to institutional support and social security benefits.
Building on demonstrable success, Project 101 will be scaled to benefit 1,000 farmers in the 2025–26 season. The expanded programme will deliver structured, science-based training modules encompassing soil health diagnostics, targeted soil amendments, deep tillage, optimised plant spacing, trench planting, and site-specific nutrient management based on soil test results. Integrated pest and disease management protocols will be promoted to minimise crop losses while reducing chemical dependency. Water resource stewardship will form a critical pillar of the next phase, incorporating furrow irrigation systems, soil moisture monitoring through sensor technology, and drone-assisted crop management to optimise input use. The programme will embed climate-resilient agronomic strategies and deploy digital tools for precision agriculture, enabling real-time decision-making.
In parallel, Project 101 will facilitate stronger market linkages, and farmer-oriented financial literacy initiatives, empowering participants to secure remunerative prices and optimise production costs. Through a holistic approach that integrates scientific innovation with social empowerment, the initiative seeks to foster sustainable agricultural intensification, improve rural incomes, and catalyse long-term prosperity for smallholder and marginal farmers
A Sugarcane Farmers’ Meet and Knowledge Sharing Program was organized at Triveni Engineering and Sugar Industries Ltd., Sabitgarh on 14th August 2025. The event was conducted by the Project 101 team, in association with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), a Swiss-based international non-governmental organization.
The program witnessed the participation of Project 101 sugarcane farmers along with progressive sugarcane growers from the districts of Bijnor, Moradabad, and Amroha.
The session began with a presentation by Yash Sawhney highlighting the success of Project 101 and its impact on sustainable sugarcane farming. Farmers actively participated in an open discussion, sharing modern and scientifically proven interventions to enhance sugarcane productivity and reduce cultivation costs.
Single-bud planting technique for seed saving
Benefits of trench method of cultivation
122 cm wide-row planting for better crop management
Furrow irrigation and water conservation methods
Soil testing–based nutrient application
Soil and seed treatment practices for better germination and crop health
Yash Sawhney addressed the gathering and emphasized the economic and agronomic benefits of adopting these interventions for higher yields and sustainable farming.
The program concluded with an interactive session, where farmers shared their experiences and reaffirmed their commitment to adopting sustainable practices for increasing sugarcane yield per hectare while reducing input costs.
Sugarcane yields in District Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, have been declining, posing challenges for farmers. A study of 100 farmers tested sustainable practices—such as pest- and disease-resistant varieties, trench planting, precise nutrient and water management, and integrated pest control. These methods improved germination, tillering, yields, pest resistance, and heat tolerance without significantly increasing costs. Wider adoption could enhance farmer incomes and sugarcane supply chains. Findings from Project 101 will be presented at the ISSCT Congress in Cali, Colombia, in August 2025 by Mr. J.J. Bhagat, Mr. C.K. Dixit, and Mr. Yash D. Sawhney.
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