Lucknow: In a major boost to farmers, seven sugarcane varieties grown in neighbouring states have now been approved for use in Uttar Pradesh.
The approval allows farmers to grow seven sugarcane varieties commonly cultivated in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. With the new order, sugar mills will not be able to reject these varieties on the grounds that they are unapproved.
According to a report published in Hindustan, Dr. Dinesh Singh, Coordinator of the All India Coordinated Sugarcane Research Project, has issued an official directive confirming that the varieties are approved for cultivation.
In recent months, some farmers in several districts had sourced seed cane from the three states and grown varieties including Co-17018, Co-PB 17215, Co-S 16233, 17231, Co-18022, Co-PB 18213 and Co-P 16437. However, certain sugar mills refused to purchase the crop, stating that the varieties were not recognised for use in Uttar Pradesh.
The refusals led to protests from farmers, who argued that the varieties fall under the approved category. They said mills were declining procurement despite the crop meeting official standards.
Following the objections raised by farmers, the latest order has clarified the status of the seven varieties, ensuring that mills cannot deny purchase on that basis.
