The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the ICAR–Indian Sugarcane Research Institute (ICAR-ISRI), Lucknow, to establish an Advanced Centre for quality sugarcane seed production for sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh and the subtropical region, ISMA announced on Wednesday. The proposed centre, to be set up with an estimated investment of about ₹80 crore on a 50:50 sharing basis at ISRI’s Lucknow campus, will serve as a dedicated hub for strengthening the quality sugarcane seed ecosystem including production and its adoption by farmers, according to ISMA.
Investment and partnership structure
The ₹80 crore project will be funded equally by ISMA and ICAR-ISRI, with each side contributing on a 50:50 basis. While ICAR’s investment will be in terms of its services, ISMA will invest its own share to put the necessary infrastructure in place, sources said. The centre will be located on ISRI’s Lucknow campus, positioning it at the heart of India’s subtropical sugarcane belt.
| Partner | Contribution | Role |
|---|---|---|
| ISMA | Infrastructure investment (50% of ₹80 crore) | Establish physical facilities and seed production infrastructure |
| ICAR-ISRI | Services (50% of ₹80 crore) | Provide scientific expertise, research support and technical services |
| Total | ₹80 crore | Advanced Centre for quality sugarcane seed production |
Objectives of the farmer-centric initiative
According to ISMA, this farmer-centric initiative aims to create a structured, science-based system for multiplication and distribution of disease-free, genetically pure and high-yielding sugarcane seed. The centre is designed to help farmers access better varieties more quickly, improve cane productivity, enhance sugar recovery and ultimately increase farm income.
Key functions of the proposed centre, as stated by ISMA, include:
- Assured production and timely supply of quality sugarcane planting material of improved, recommended, released and promising new varieties, with a defined annual production capacity.
- Scientific and accelerated multiplication of elite and newly released sugarcane varieties through protected and scientifically managed cultivation systems.
- Systematic replacement and diversification of sugarcane varieties across participating sugar mill command areas to enhance cane productivity, sugar recovery and long-term sustainability of sugarcane cultivation.
- Seed quality monitoring and field performance assessment, along with training of cane development personnel and large-scale adoption through participating sugar mills, ensuring research reaches farmers effectively.
- Disease-free seed production, with certification and regular quality monitoring to maintain the health and genetic purity of planting material, using systematic tagging and digital traceability of seed lots.
ISMA on translating research into benefits
Commenting on the initiative, Deepak Ballani, Director General, ISMA, said:
The sugarcane farmer must remain at the centre of every effort to strengthen the sector. Quality planting material is the starting point for higher productivity, better sugar recovery and stronger farm incomes. This partnership with ICAR–ISRI is aimed at translating scientific research into tangible benefits on the ground by enabling faster and wider access to disease-free, genetically pure and high-yielding planting material through participating sugar mills.
The programme will also support the replacement of pest/insect-prone varieties, with farmers receiving technical and scientific support, according to ISMA’s statement.
Ministry support and seed traceability
ISMA thanked Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, ICAR’s Director General Mangi Lal Jat, Deputy Director General (Crop Science) D K Yadav, ISRI’s Director S N Sushil and Joint Secretary (Sugar) in the Food Ministry Ashwini Srivastava for their support on the initiative. The association said the centre of excellence will help build a stronger and more sustainable sugarcane ecosystem.
The Agriculture Ministry has already put in place its Seed Net portal — a traceability system under which, at any point in the supply chain, the details about a seed variety can be found through a QR code. This aligns with the proposed centre’s focus on systematic tagging and digital traceability of seed lots.
Expected impact on cane productivity and sugar recovery
By enabling faster and wider access to improved planting material, the centre is expected to enhance cane productivity, sugar recovery and the long-term sustainability of sugarcane cultivation across participating sugar mill command areas. The assured production and timely supply of disease-free, genetically pure seed will support systematic variety replacement and diversification, helping mills in Uttar Pradesh and the subtropical region reduce dependence on pest-prone varieties.
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