ICAR actively developing and promoting multiple disease-resistant sugarcane varieties to improve recovery rates
Heavy rains in Maharashtra have submerged sugarcane fields, damaging an estimated 100 lakh tonnes. Despite losses, 1,200 lakh tonnes are still expected for crushing, though yield per hectare may drop from 82 to 74 tonnes. Delays could push up Diwali sugar prices. Tensions rise as the state imposes relief levies, while millers and farmer groups clash over payments and tonnage reporting.
Zuari Industries (SPE Division) convened the second edition of its roundtable conference on “Mechanization and Digitalization in Sugarcane – Driving Efficiency, Productivity, and Sustainability” at Gobind Sugar Mill, Aira, Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh. The two-day event, held on October 6 and 7, 2025, brought together farmers, scientists, policymakers, technology providers and leaders from the sugar industry to explore how mechanization and digital tools can transform India’s sugarcane sector, according to the press release.
Building on the success of the first roundtable in 2024, which focused on climate-resilient sugarcane, Roundtable 2.0 shifted the spotlight to mechanization and digitalization aimed at enhancing yield, reducing input costs, and improving overall resilience.
ICAR stated that it is actively developing and promoting multiple disease-resistant sugarcane varieties to improve recovery rates.
Experts emphasized goal-oriented planning, mechanized operations and AI & IoT based tools for soil, pest and crop management. With India’s farm mechanization rate at 40-45% and aiming to reach 70-80% as per the government’s target, especially in UP is crucial. The discussions also highlighted the USD 24 billion agri-tech market and showed affordable, localized technologies that reduce labor dependency and support data driven farming practices.
The conference opened on Day 1 with an inaugural session graced by Dr. Dinesh Singh, Director, ICAR, as Chief Guest, along with Mr. Ved Prakash Singh (District Cane Officer, Lakhimpur), Dr. M. K. Singh and Dr. M. K. Tripathi from IISR, Mr. Rajesh Kumar Verma (Secretary, Aira Society), and Ms. Vijaylakhmi (Senior CDI, Aira). The event saw the participation of over 250 farmers from the region, who shared their first-hand experiences of adopting mechanization and digital tools in sugarcane farming. Technical presentations covered topics such as climate risk assessment, ESG frameworks and mechanization options for improving productivity, led by scientists from ICAR–ISRI and industry experts from the agri-equipment sector.
Day 2 built on the momentum, featuring insightful deliberations and demonstrations by agri-tech innovators and solution providers such as ScaNxt, Navriti Innovations, Vibrant Solutions, MacroCosmos, Amity Software, Shaktimaan Agro, and Lasermatik. The discussions focused on leveraging AI, IoT, and geospatial intelligence to enhance precision farming, strengthen soil and water management and improve yield predictability. Participants were also introduced to real-world applications and success stories from sugar mills and startups that have already adopted mechanized and digital farming solutions across India.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dinesh Singh, Director, ICAR, said, “Zuari Industries’ Roundtable 2.0 is a timely and important initiative, providing a platform for farmers, scientists, and industry experts to come together and discuss critical issues in India’s sugarcane sector. Over-reliance on a single variety, such as Co-0238, increases vulnerability to diseases like red rot, which can spread rapidly through irrigation water. ICAR is actively developing and promoting multiple disease-resistant varieties, including CoLk-14201 and CoLk-16202, to improve recovery rates and ensure stable yields. Zuari’s focus on facilitating knowledge sharing, mechanization, and technology adoption for small and medium farms helps farmers apply these best practices on the ground, enhancing productivity and building a resilient sugarcane industry across Uttar Pradesh and other regions.”
Alok Saxena, Executive Director & Unit Head, SPE Division, Zuari Industries, added, “I am honoured to host Roundtable 2.0, which has been an important step in bringing together farmers, scientists, policymakers, and technology providers to collaboratively explore solutions for modern sugarcane cultivation. Discussions on mechanization, digital tools, AI, IoT, smart irrigation, and precision farming have provided farmers with actionable insights to improve efficiency, optimize input costs and enhance yields. More importantly, it has facilitated knowledge sharing and a forward-looking approach so the sector can build resilience, adopt innovation and ensure sustainable growth for the communities dependent on sugarcane farming.”
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Source : Chinimandi
