New Sugarcane Variety KO.Lakh.16202: A Boon for Farmers with Bumper Yields

Key Highlights

• Yields up to 920 quintals per hectare.
• Sugar recovery of 11.94% to 13.57%.
• Resistant to red rot and wilt diseases.
• Early maturing and easy to harvest.
• Supports better income with lower cultivation costs.

Farmers have a reason to rejoice with the introduction of a new sugarcane variety, KO.Lakh.16202, developed by the Indian Sugarcane Research Institute, Lucknow. This variety promises high production, better sugar recovery, and disease resistance, offering a significant economic boost to sugarcane farmers.

Also Read: State Governments Such as Punjab and Bihar Increase Sugarcane Prices: Farmers to Benefit

Exceptional Yield Capacity

The KO.Lakh.16202 sugarcane variety is designed to produce up to 920 quintals per hectare, a substantial increase compared to traditional varieties. The sugarcane is developed collaboratively by the breeding centers in Coimbatore and Lucknow. It is resistant to common diseases like red rot and wilt, ensuring healthier crops and reducing farmer’s risks.

Superior Sugar Recovery

Sugar mills benefit significantly from this variety due to its high sugar recovery rate.

• In November, the recovery rate is 11.94%.
• By January, the rate improves to 13.57%.

This makes it highly suitable for early and late harvesting periods, allowing the farmers flexibility in their operations.

Also Read: Govt Launches ₹2,481 Crore Mission to Boost Natural Farming in India

Key Features of KO.Lakh.16202

• Medium thickness: Solid and moderately hard stems.
• Easy identification: Round, sticky eyes, with some nodes having two to three eyes.
• Fast-ripening: This is an early maturing variety, enabling quicker harvests.
• Dry leaves: The leaves shed naturally, making harvesting a lot easier.

Tips for Higher Sugarcane Production

To achieve optimal results, farmers should follow these guidelines:

1. Choose the right soil and climate: Sugarcane thrives in well-drained, fertile soils.
2. Optimal sowing time:
   • Central and Western India: February to March.
   • North India: February to March (spring) or October to November (autumn).
3. Row spacing: Maintain a spacing of 90 cm or 60 cm based on irrigation availability.
4. Select improved varieties: Consider early maturing types like Co.Sha.13235, Co.Lakh.14201, and Co.Lakh.16202. These varieties are also resistant to red rot and perform well in flood-prone areas.

Government Support for Farmers

State governments, such as Punjab and Bihar, have recently increased the State Advised Price (SAP) of sugarcane by ₹10 per quintal. This increment ensures better financial returns for farmers, complementing the benefits of new high-yielding varieties.

Also Read: New District Cooperative Banks to Open in India to Boost Agriculture Loan Facilities

CMV360 Says

The KO.Lakh.16202 sugarcane variety is a game-changer for farmers, offering high yield, better sugar recovery, and disease resistance. By adopting this variety and following expert recommendations, sugarcane farmers can enhance their productivity and income while contributing to the growth of the sugar industry.