ICAR-IISR, Lucknow celebrates 70^th Foundation Day

ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow celeberated 70^th Foundation day on 16^th February, 2021. Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary, DARE, Govt. of India and Director General, ICAR, New Delhi was the Chief Guest in the on-line inaugural ceremony of Foundation Day. Dr. T.R. Sharma, DDG (Crop Science) and Dr. R.K. Singh, ADG (CC) were guests of honor in the inaugural function. While inaugurating the function Chief guest Dr. Mohapatra commended the efforts of IISR in transforming the sugar sector of country from crisis to self- reliant. He remarked that technology developed by the institute and their application by stakeholders made possible to enhance cane yield in Uttar Pradesh from 60 t/ha in 2015 to 80 t/ha in 2019-2020, sugar recovery from 9.50 in 2015 to 11.40 in 2019-2020 and today country in producing about 5–6 m tonne surplus sugar annually in addition to demand for domestic requirement. He also commended the efforts of the institute in implementing development programme in public-private-partnership mode with sugar industry for doubling farmer’s income. Dr. Mohapatra also urged the Scientists to work for reducing water consumption in producing one kg of sugar to almost 50% by next five years; take the challenges of studying the effects of climate change on diseases, pests and productivity on sugarcane crop; reducing the maturity period of sugarcane crop to less than 12 months and to enhance production of bio-ethanol for 20% blending in petrol.
Chief Guest inaugurated newly constructed Technology Tower, Conference Hall and Mobile app “Ikshu Kedar”, four publications viz., IISR at a Glance, Water Footprint in Sugarcane, Ethephon: Impact on Sugarcane Physiology and Sugar Productivity and Rajbhasha magazine 'Ikshu' were also by the Chief guest. Dr. T.R. Sharma, DDG, Crop Science, ICAR in his address emphasizes on innovative research to address the problem of dreaded disease of sugarcane i.e. red rot. The application of new bio–technology tools, speed breeding, genome editing etc. should be priority of cane research, remarked by Dr. T.R. Sharma. Dr. R.K. Singh, ADG (CC) also addressed the scientist and staff of the institute and appealed for continued efforts in the larger interest of the farmers, sugar industry and nation.
At the outset of the inaugural session Dr. A.D. Pathak, Director, IISR presented detailed account of the institute achievements and way–forward approach in 2021 and onwards. Award ceremony was also organized in the auditorium of the institute and Ex. Director of IISR and Ex. VC, CSAUT, Kanpur Dr. Sushil Solomon gave away awards to the scientists and staff of the institute.
Dr. S.N. Sushil, Principle Scientist & Organizing Secretary of the Foundation Day programme presented formal vote of thanks to the Chief Guest, dignitaries and all the participants.