Sonipat, Haryana: In a bid to increase sugarcane production in the district, the Agriculture Department has introduced three new sugarcane varieties for farmers. After extensive research, the department has launched COH 176, COH 179, and COH 188 for the Rabi season. These varieties will be made available to farmers at the College of Agriculture in Kaul village, Kaithal, reported The Tribune.
The move comes as sugarcane cultivation in the district has been declining despite the state offering better prices for sugarcane compared to other regions. Sonipat and Gohana are home to two cooperative sugar mills, yet the area under sugarcane cultivation has been shrinking. Additionally, the current sugarcane varieties are prone to diseases, which have been affecting production. To address these challenges, the Agriculture Department has decided to promote the cultivation of these new disease-resistant varieties, aiming to boost both yield and quality.
In Sonipat, most sugarcane cultivation takes place in areas along the Yamuna River. Farmers in the region under the Sonipat Sugar Mill have cultivated sugarcane on approximately 13,000 acres of land, with the mill receiving bookings for 32 lakh quintals of sugarcane. The Agriculture Department is now working to connect more farmers with sugarcane cultivation through awareness campaigns and fairs to expand the area under cultivation.
To encourage farmers to adopt the new varieties, a Sugarcane Farmers’ Fair will be organized on February 10 at the Sonipat Sugar Mill. Over 500 sugarcane farmers from Sonipat are expected to participate in the event. Experts from the Uchani Research Center will also attend the fair to educate farmers about the new varieties and provide guidance on preventing diseases that commonly affect sugarcane crops.
The fair will also showcase various products made from sugarcane, offering farmers insights into value-added opportunities. This initiative aims to help farmers not only increase sugarcane production but also develop their own brands and generate higher income.
Lalit Kumar, Assistant Sugarcane Development Officer, Sonipat, said, “The Agriculture Department has developed three new sugarcane varieties, and seeds for these will now be made available to farmers. Awareness camps will be organized to encourage farmers to adopt these varieties. The Sugarcane Farmers’ Fair on February 10 at the Sonipat Sugar Mill will provide farmers with new information and techniques. These new varieties will enhance both the production and quality of sugarcane.”
The department’s efforts are expected to revitalize sugarcane cultivation in the region, benefiting farmers and strengthening the local sugar industry.
