Lucknow: New Sugarcane Varieties To Cut Water Use By Up To 20%, Boost Yield In UP

Sugarcane, one of the most water-intensive crops, may soon require significantly less water, as scientists at the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (IISR), Rae Bareli Road, Lucknow, have developed several new varieties aimed at improving efficiency and productivity.

According to scientists, a dozen new sugarcane varieties developed over the past five years are expected to reduce water consumption by 15 to 20 per cent while increasing overall sugarcane production by 10 to 15 per cent. Research is also underway on future varieties that could lower water usage by 25 to 30 per cent, and eventually by as much as 30 to 40 per cent.

ALSO READ: Mumbai Metro One Installs Multi-Product Menstrual Hygiene Vending Machines At All Stations On Blue Line | Check Details

In western Uttar Pradesh, sugarcane is cultivated across 15 districts on nearly 23.34 lakh hectares. Across the state, the crop covers more than 28.53 lakh hectares, with an average productivity of about 839 quintals per hectare. In North India, sugarcane cultivation typically requires around 1,400 millimetres of water per hectare, making water efficiency a critical concern.

Scientists noted that the newly developed varieties have also led to higher sugar recovery, along with a 10 to 20 per cent increase in yield. Among the varieties identified as water-saving are Kolk-15201, Kolk-15204, Kolk-15466, COLK-14204, CO-15023, COPB-14185, COSE-11453, MS-130081, VSI-12121, CO-13013, Avani-14012 and Kopi-11438.

Established on February 16, 1952, the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research has been continuously engaged in developing improved sugarcane varieties to enhance productivity, reduce cultivation costs, and control diseases. Scientists said that developing a new variety involves years of intensive research and field trials.

ALSO READ: Delhi Zoo To Introduce Night Safari, Aquarium Under Major Redevelopment Plan

Dr Dinesh Singh, Director of IISR, said that ongoing research focuses on increasing production with lower input costs while conserving water. He added that a new, more water-efficient sugarcane variety is likely to be released on the institute’s Foundation Day.