Kochi: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ernakulum is focussing on reviving sugarcane cultivation at Alangad, Karumalloor and Neerikkode panchayats in the district hoping to get the region GI tag, reports The Times of India.
KVK has planted Co 86032 variety released by ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute (SRI), Coimbatore, for jaggery production. The variety is called Nayana and is resistant to red rot. It was introduced in 2000.
KVK will be setting up a jaggery production unit near Alangad during harvest time in December.
According to the breeding institute, this variety is drought tolerant and retains quality for up to 14-16 months. It is recommended to plant this variety in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
The scientific support to the farmers will be provided by experts from the Indian Institute of Scientific Research (IISR), Lucknow, led by principal scientist Dilip Kumar.
