LUCKNOW, 23 June 2025: In a move that promises to transform the fortunes of sugarcane farmers, Uttar Pradesh has developed 243 high-yielding and climate-resilient sugarcane varieties, significantly boosting productivity and farm income across the state.
The effort, spearheaded by the Uttar Pradesh Council of Sugarcane Research, forms part of a broader government push to make agriculture more profitable, sustainable, and adaptive to climate challenges. Over the last decade, the state has introduced a wide spectrum of sugarcane varieties tailored to suit different agro-climatic zones, thereby expanding opportunities for farmers in every region.
Officials noted that 59 key varieties are currently under active cultivation across the state—28 early-maturing and 31 mid-to-late maturing types. These varieties have delivered measurable results in terms of yield increases and input cost reductions.
Among the best-known varieties are CoS 97264, CoS 767, CoS 8436, CoS 8432, CoS 88230, CoS 95255, CoSe 98231, and CoSe 92423, which have dominated cane farming across the decades due to their robustness and consistent performance. The newly introduced lines build on this legacy, incorporating improved resistance to diseases and better adaptability to regional conditions.
The government has also supported the initiative with a 267-hectare breeder seed nursery, which plays a pivotal role in supplying certified, disease-free planting material to cane farmers. The nursery’s contribution ensures that farmers gain access to healthy, high-quality seeds that help maximize productivity while lowering the risk of crop failure.
To make the benefits of these innovations more accessible, sugarcane committees across districts have been strengthened. These committees now offer technical advice, training, and real-time support, ensuring that farmers can adopt best practices with confidence.
Additionally, sugarcane cooperatives are being modernized with a focus on greater transparency, timely payments, and improved service delivery. From the distribution of quality seeds and fertilizers to organizing training sessions, cooperatives are emerging as key enablers of the state’s sugarcane transformation.
According to agriculture department officials, lakhs of farmers are directly benefiting from this science-backed strategy. The newer varieties are not only yielding higher tonnage per hectare, but are also less vulnerable to pests and climate variability, making sugarcane farming a more stable and rewarding livelihood.
The state’s agricultural leadership believes that this effort is not just about improving production—it’s about empowering rural livelihoods, reducing dependency on imports, and fortifying India’s sugar economy from the grassroots.
As Uttar Pradesh continues to lead India in sugarcane production, these ongoing investments in research, innovation, and farmer support are paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous agrarian future.
Image credit: stock.adobe.com
