Farmers to Receive New Sugarcane Varieties for Autumn Cultivation in UP

Key Highlights

• New sugarcane varieties were allocated to UP districts for autumn sowing.
• Higher yield and better sugar recovery in autumn cultivation.
• Lower costs compared to spring sugarcane.
• Opportunity for intercropping with autumn sugarcane.
• Farmers are advised to contact district officers for seed distribution.

Farmers across Uttar Pradesh are set to begin sowing autumn sugarcane, which has become increasingly popular due to its high yield and economic benefits. This year, they will receive seeds from new sugarcane varieties to boost production further. The Uttar Pradesh Sugarcane and Sugar Department has allocated these seeds to different districts, ensuring that each region has access to high-quality sugarcane varieties.

Also Read: Government Increases Maize Price to Rs 3000 per Quintal, Boosting Natural Farming

New Varieties of Sugarcane Allotted

According to the state’s Sugarcane Commissioner, Prabhu Narayan Singh, "breeder" seeds have been allotted to farmers for the 2024-25 season. The department has issued instructions to ensure these seeds are planted across research areas, private and cooperative sugar mills, and farmer fields within the state. This initiative is part of a three-tier seed production program designed to provide farmers with healthy, disease-free sugarcane seeds.

Seed Allocation by District

To meet regional demand, a significant amount of seed has been allotted across various districts:

• Saharanpur region: 7,342 quintals
• Meerut region: 5,617 quintals
• Moradabad region: 8,578 quintals
• Bareilly region: 11,368 quintals
• Lucknow region: 12,239 quintals
• Ayodhya region: 1,990 quintals
• Devipatan region: 4,912 quintals
• Gorakhpur region: 4,771 quintals
• Deoria region: 4,688 quintals

This allocation includes seeds from improved sugarcane varieties such as Co. 16202, Co. 17231, and Co. 15466, which are known for their productivity and disease resistance.

Also Read: How Intercropping Can Help Sugarcane Farmers Increase their Income

Setting Up Nurseries for Seed Production

Base nurseries will be established on selected farms using the distributed elite seed. These nurseries aim to ensure a steady supply of healthy sugarcane seeds for future sowing seasons. This approach is expected to enhance both sugarcane yield and sugar recovery rates across the state.

Benefits of Autumn Sugarcane Cultivation

Autumn sugarcane, which is sown in October and November, offers several advantages:

• Higher yield: Autumn sugarcane typically yields better than spring sugarcane, with a more extended growing period allowing for better ripening.
• Lower costs: Growing autumn sugarcane often requires less investment than spring sugarcane.
• Better sugar recovery: Sugar mills benefit from a 0.5% higher sugar recovery rate from autumn-grown sugarcane.
• Opportunity for intercropping: Farmers can plant additional crops alongside autumn sugarcane, increasing their income potential. This is less feasible with spring sugarcane due to its shorter growing season.

How to Obtain New Seeds

Farmers interested in these new sugarcane varieties should contact their local District Sugarcane Officer or Senior Sugarcane Development Inspector to obtain the seeds. The department encourages all sugarcane farmers to use healthy seeds for optimal results during autumn cultivation.

By promoting these improved varieties and setting up seed nurseries, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to increase sugarcane production and improve farmers' incomes while supporting the state’s sugar industry.

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CMV360 Says

The Uttar Pradesh government’s initiative to provide improved sugarcane varieties for autumn cultivation aims to boost yield, reduce costs, and enhance sugar recovery. With district-specific seed allocations and the establishment of nurseries, farmers can look forward to healthier, disease-resistant crops. This effort promises farmers better income and a stronger sugar industry supply.