A Systematic Framework for Studying Two Sugarcane Harvesting Systems Based on National Policy Implementation in Sri Lanka

Owing to the vast complexity of the Sri Lankan sugar sector, immediate implementations of novel research findings, such as those concerning cane and dry leaf harvesting (CDLH), affect the total system stability. Therefore, there is an imperative need for a system dynamics model for analyzing CDLH. The objective of this study was to develop such a model, and to use it to evaluate the implementation of CDLH as combined with the Sri Lanka Sugar Sector Development Policy (SSDP) relative to the existing harvesting, i.e., cleaned cane harvesting (CCH). We considered all subsystem interrelations, such as those concerning sugarcane cultivation, processing, energy, environment, social, and economic aspects. A mental model was created and transformed into a stock flow. Then, the model was simulated by adopting two scenarios implementing the SSDP: the CCH and CDLH connected with two high sugarcane yield configurations. The results showed that combining the SSDP with CDLH provides an advantage over CCH. The implementation of CDLH combined with the SSDP minimized the risk of labor shortage and maximizes the appropriate mechanization of harvesting. Additionally, CDLH increases sugar production, farmers' and workers' incomes, and energy generation while reducing irrigation water requirements. However, the carbon dioxide release rate is slightly higher than that of CCH. Further increasing the national average sugarcane yield enhances the value of CDLH in managerial implication along with the public policy. To obtain more realistic results, we recommend connecting this model to a real-time data acquisition system and Internet of Things systems.