Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh: Although variety 0238 of the sugarcane is greatly susceptible to red rot disease, it remains to be one of the most preferred variety among farmers in that region, a recent sugarcane survey reveals, reports Amar Ujala.
The variety, which has exceeded 12 years, has helped boost farmers’ incomes since it often produces high. However, experts warn that the widespread cultivation of this disease-prone variety could lead to a low production.
Out of the total 177,000 hectares of sugarcane cultivation in the district, 129,000 hectares are dedicated to this variety alone. The scientists have been making appeals to farmers, and so has the Sugarcane Department for the last three years, for change over to new varieties since the 0238 variety has gone diseased all over the state.
A recent survey conducted by the Sugarcane Department showed that 75 per cent of farmers in the district were still cultivating variety 0238. According to the survey, 177,000 hectares of sugarcane are grown in the district, while variety 0238 occupied 129,000 hectares alone.
This year alone, 0238 has already been grown on 129,000 hectares, compared with 156,000 hectares last year—an area drop of only 27,000 hectares. Following 0238, variety 0118 is grown on 31,000 hectares, up from 12,000 hectares last year. Variety 13235 is now cultivated on 6,200 hectares, up from 800 hectares last year. Variety 15023 is grown on 3,900 hectares, up from 2,700 hectares last year. Finally, variety 98014 is cultivated on 2,897 hectares, up from 1,232 hectares last year.
District Sugarcane Officer Sanjay Sisodia stated that the disease has spread across the state in variety 0238. The department is promoting the cultivation of alternative varieties to mitigate this issue. Local farmers have managed to control the disease with treatments, but they need to gradually shift to other varieties before the disease spreads further.
