33 Biennial Workshop of AICRP on Sugarcane organized by ICAR-IISR, Lucknow on October 19-20, 2020

The 33rd biennial workshop of AICRP on Sugarcane was organized through virtual mode during October 19-20, 2020 by ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow. The workshop was inaugurated by Dr T Mohapatra, Secretary DARE and DG ICAR and chaired by Dr T R Sharma, Dy. Director General (Crop Sciences). Among other dignitaries, Dr R K Singh, ADG (CC), Dr Y P Singh, ADG-Actg (FFC), Dr D K Yadav ADG (Seeds), Dr Bakshi Ram, Director, ICAR-SBI, Coimbatore, Members of Programme Advisory and Monitoring Committee, senior officials from Sugarcane Cooperative Federations, State Governments and sugarcane researchers associated with AICRP on sugarcane working at different centres joined through video conferencing. About 200 delegates attended the workshop.

In his inaugural speech, Dr Mohapatra appreciated efforts of sugarcane researchers and other associated stakeholders for surplus production of sugar to the tune of about 33 Million Tons as against domestic requirement of 25 Million Tons in India. He expressed his apprehension over 72% area coverage by only two sugarcane varieties viz., Co 0238 and Co 86032, which may lead to catastrophe in the event of severe abiotic or biotic stresses. He suggested to work on reducing the cost of sugarcane production to ensure our stake in competitive global market. He also emphasised on potential of drip irrigation with fertigation in reducing water and nitrous oxide foot print and focus on nano fertilizers under AICRP programme. The emerging white grub problem in sugarcane may be addressed through EPN or other such biocontrol agents. He also appreciated efforts of IISR in doubling the farm income of farmers under PPP mode with DCM Shriram group.

Dr T.R. Sharma, DDG (Crop Sciences) suggested for marker assisted selection (MAS) of genotypes for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of breeding programme. He also suggested for post harvest value addition for more profitability. He also called for collaboration with other ICAR institute like NBAIM, Mau, NBAIR, Bengaluru and NCIPM, New Delhi for further strengthening of different programmes of AICRP (Sugarcane).

Dr A D Pathak Director, ICAR-IISR, Lucknow and Project Coordinator (S) presented the research highlights of the AICRP (S) during 2019-20 and highlighted the contribution of varietal/technolological advancements in increasing sugar production in the country.

During Academia-Industry interactive session, need for Industry-Institute research collaboration on ethanol production was accentuated. Discipline wise concurrent technical session of Crop Improvement, Crop Production and Crop Protection were organized for reviewing the progress and formulation the technical programme for the year 2021-22. Varietal Identification Committee under the chairmanship of DDG (Crop Sciences) identified seven varieties for release in Peninsular Zone (MS 13081-Early group; VSI 12121and Co 13013-Mid-late group), North West Zone (Co 15023-Early group; CoPb 14185 and CoLk 14204-Mid-late group) and North Central & North Eastern Zones (CoSe 11453-Mid-late group).