Motihari, Bihar: A team of scientists from the Sugarcane Research Institute, Pusa, visited the HPCL Biofuels Limited unit in Sugauli to support sugarcane farmers under the “Monitoring and Advisory Services for Sugarcane in Bihar” project, reports Prabhat Khabar. The team included Dr Siddhnath Singh, Dr Navneet Kumar, Dr Sanjeev Kumar Sinha, and Dr Anil Kumar.
During the visit, the scientists inspected sugarcane fields planted in the autumn season and interacted with farmers to address their challenges. They provided immediate solutions for crop issues and shared important techniques to improve future farming practices. Their recommendations included using suitable seeds, treating seeds before planting, maintaining proper spacing between plants, and sowing single or double-bud seed pieces.
The problem of “red rot,” a major disease that was severely damaging the crop, had been brought to the notice of the farmers. Dr. Siddhnath Singh, a plant disease specialist, had suggested seed and soil treatment with a biocontrol agent-trichoderma. He also recommended the application of green manure, neem, and karanj seed cake to the soil in addition to other sustainable measures to control the disease.
HPCL Sugauli’s General Manager Vijay Kumar Dixit and Deputy General Manager (Sugarcane) Shailendra Kumar Mishra offered thanks to the scientists for their wise input and assured all cooperation with the farmers.
