Kashipur, Uttarakhand: A review meeting was held at the Office of Cane Development and Sugar Industry under the chairmanship of Commissioner Prakash Chandra Dumka to assess sugarcane varieties and departmental schemes, reported Amar Ujala.
During the meeting, Commissioner Dumka directed officials to organize field visits to raise awareness among farmers about newly developed sugarcane varieties. The initiative aims to promote modern agricultural practices and enhance productivity in the sugarcane sector.
The commissioner expressed concern about the Co 0238 sugarcane variety, which is affected by a serious crop disease. He instructed officials to inform farmers about this issue and discourage them from planting this variety.
To promote healthier and more productive alternatives, he recommended encouraging the use of new sugarcane types such as Co 0118, Co Pant 12221, Co Pant 12226, Co 15023, Co 13235, and Co Lak 14201.
As part of the awareness effort, the commissioner directed each zone to select two progressive farmers and organize field visits to farms where these new varieties are being grown. Short videos of these visits should be made and shared widely to inform more farmers.
While reviewing government-supported schemes, he asked officials to choose one progressive farmer from each village to demonstrate intercropping (growing other crops alongside sugarcane). Other farmers should be encouraged to visit these fields and learn from them.
The commissioner also stressed the need to set targets in every zone for producing clean and high-quality sugarcane seeds through local nurseries. This would help ensure a steady supply of good seeds for future crops.
To improve support to farmers, he instructed that a proposal be sent to the government recommending an increase in the financial aid currently given under district-level schemes.
He also asked the assistant commissioners to review the prices of farming tools provided to farmers and ensure that all efforts are made to protect farmers’ interests.
Scientists from the Sugarcane Research Centre in Kashipur and senior department officials were present at the meeting.
