Mathematical economic modeling for optimal decisions in the sugarcane harvest

Abstract

A computerized economic-mathematical schedule was formulated, elaborated, and introduced to improve and optimize sugarcane harvest planning process, mainly in regards to cut strategy as a way to minimize lags in cutting procedure and maximize sugar production. Much more sugar was manufactured out of the same sugarcane harvested due to a better arrangement for varieties and strains cut strategy. Sugar production costs showed a 9 % decrease compared to the results obtained by traditional production methods. This new schedule proved successful in sugarcane manufacturing enterprises from Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, and Guantánamo provinces. The importance of this research lies in the sugar industry and the sugarcane fields rearrangement policy during the past few years in order to achieve sugar competitiveness in the international market; besides, some sugarcane byproducts can be used as renewable energy sources due to the increase of oil market prices.