Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced the formation of a dedicated team within the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to focus specifically on sugarcane-related research and policymaking.
Speaking at a national seminar on the sugarcane economy, Chouhan said the new team will tackle real-world issues faced by both farmers and the sugar industry. The event was organized by Rural Voice, the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories, and ICAR.
Chouhan pointed out that while sugarcane variety 238 is known for its high sugar content, it’s also highly susceptible to red rot disease. He emphasized the need for developing disease-resistant varieties and warned against the dangers of growing a single crop (monocropping), which can harm soil health. He recommended exploring intercropping with pulses and oilseeds to improve sustainability.
The Minister also called for:
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Greater use of machines to reduce labour costs
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Efficient irrigation methods like “per drop, more crop”
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Higher sugar recovery rates
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A shift toward natural farming and reduced fertilizer use
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More value-added products from sugarcane beyond ethanol and molasses
Chouhan acknowledged the ongoing issue of delayed payments to farmers and urged reforms in the sugar supply chain. While sugar mills face financial struggles, farmers often bear the brunt, he said. He also highlighted the shortage of farm labour and pushed for more training and mechanization in harvesting.
“ICAR must create a separate team dedicated to sugarcane research. This research should solve real problems. If it doesn’t help farmers, it’s pointless,” he stated.
ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat laid out four research priorities: setting clear agendas, addressing challenges in farming and industry, and providing informed policy recommendations. He stressed improving fertilizer efficiency, expanding micro-irrigation, and diversifying crops.
Dr. Devendra Kumar Yadav, Deputy Director General of Crop Science, echoed concerns about variety 238 and stressed the importance of testing new varieties over three-year cycles and analyzing yield gaps.
The seminar wrapped up with ICAR officials assuring that future sugarcane research would be farmer-focused and based on the feedback gathered.
