Coimbatore: The ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute has called on farmers to adopt new and improved sugarcane varieties to boost productivity and improve resistance to diseases, The Hindu reported.
Speaking at a field demonstration in Kanjappalli village of Annur taluk, Institute Director P. Govindaraj said older varieties tend to lose yield over time and become more vulnerable to diseases, which in turn affects farmers’ incomes. He distributed seed material of the newly released variety Co 18009 along with extension material to participating farmers.
The field day was organised in collaboration with Bannari Amman Sugars Ltd. and showcased the benefits of adopting newer varieties. Govindaraj also highlighted the importance of other varieties such as Co 11015 and Co 14012, adding that the institute plans to involve farmers more directly in the breeding process.
Addressing the issue of labour shortages, he said that nearly 75 per cent of sugarcane cultivation needs to be mechanised to maintain profitability.
The demonstration was held on a 1.9-acre plot of Co 18009 cultivated by farmer Nivedha Duraisamy. Participants were briefed on the crop’s features, including its non-flowering nature, reduced spines, high tillering capacity, more internodes, and strong yield potential.
According to D. Puthira Prathap, sugarcane is currently grown on about 940 acres in Coimbatore district, with production estimated at around 38,000 tonnes. He said the initiative aims to rebuild farmers’ confidence in sugarcane cultivation.
Scientists at the event also addressed queries related to weed control, pest management, and diseases affecting the crop.
Meanwhile, S. Shanmugasundaram urged the institute to develop more early-maturing varieties suited to local conditions and informed farmers about subsidy schemes offered by the company.
