Two prominent sugar industry organizations, the Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF), have submitted a proposal to the Indian government advocating for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on advanced sugarcane research. This initiative is aimed at the ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute (SBI) in Coimbatore, with an estimated budget of ₹87.94 crore over five years, beginning in FY27.
In a letter to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the associations emphasized the CoE’s objective of enhancing sugarcane breeding technologies. Innovations such as genome editing, creating climate-resilient varieties, and modern seed systems were highlighted as essential to tackling the challenges faced by the industry, including spreading diseases and decreasing yields. A senior scientist noted that conventional breeding approaches fall short in addressing issues like red rot disease, which persists as a major threat to crops.
The proposal comes in response to growing climate uncertainties, erratic rainfall, increased cultivation costs, pest pressures, and stagnant sugarcane yields, which have remained between 80-83 tonnes per hectare, despite rising demand partly due to ethanol production. The over-reliance on a limited number of sugarcane varieties has increased susceptibility to diseases, compounding these pressures.
The CoE is envisioned as a national platform to hasten the development of high-yielding, water-efficient, and disease-resistant sugarcane varieties. Leveraging advanced technologies including genome sequencing and precision seed systems, the initiative aims to directly benefit approximately 55 million sugarcane farmers by improving productivity and stabilizing farm incomes.
Why this story matters:
- Emphasizes the need for innovative agricultural solutions in the face of environmental challenges.
Key takeaway:
- The proposed Centre of Excellence aims to strengthen sugarcane production through advanced research and technology.
Opposing viewpoint:
- There may be concerns regarding the feasibility and long-term effectiveness of genome editing technologies in agriculture.
