ISMA, ICAR-ISRI join hands to build advanced hub for quality sugarcane seed

Pilibhit, U.P: The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and ICAR-Indian Sugarcane Research Institute (ICAR-ISRI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an advanced centre for producing quality sugarcane planting material. The MoU, signed on August 13, aims to create a science-led system for the multiplication, certification and distribution of genetically pure, disease-free and high-yielding sugarcane planting material for farmers. Centre to Come Up at ICAR-ISRI, Lucknow The proposed centre will be established at the ICAR-ISRI campus in Lucknow. It will focus on assured production and timely supply of recommended new sugarcane varieties. The facility will use protected and scientifically managed cultivation methods to rapidly multiply elite varieties. It will also support systematic replacement and diversification of varieties across participating sugar mill command areas, with the aim of improving cane productivity and sugar recovery. Focus on Disease-Free Planting Material The initiative will strengthen quality control through phytosanitary measures, including disease indexing, hardening and regular field monitoring. A digital traceability system will also be introduced, allowing seed lots to be tracked from the laboratory to the field. This is expected to improve transparency in the supply of planting material and strengthen quality assurance. Focus on Farmers and Sugar...