Coimbatore to Host Global Sugarcane Research Hub in 90-Crore Genetic Breakthrough Initiative
The Indian Sugarcane Breeding Institute will house a new Global Centre of Excellence designed to slash crop development cycles. The facility aims to combat declining production caused by climate stressors and pests.
Key takeaways
- A 90-crore Global Centre of Excellence is being established at the Indian Sugarcane Breeding Institute in Coimbatore with a four-year investment plan.
- The center aims to shorten the development cycle of new sugarcane varieties from 14 years to 8 years through accelerated genetic research.
- Funding for the project is split equally between the Union government and industry stakeholders at 45 crore each.
- Tamil Nadu officials plan to study AI implementation in Maharashtra to address declining acreage and 8% sugar recovery rates.
- New crop varieties will prioritize resistance to heat, drought, and pests while supporting the expanding ethanol and bioenergy sectors.
Accelerating Genetic Development to Combat Yield Decline
A new 90-crore Global Centre of Excellence for Accelerated Sugarcane Genetic Improvement is set to be established at the Indian Sugarcane Breeding Institute in Coimbatore. National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories President Harshvardhan Patil announced that the facility aims to reduce the development timeline for new sugarcane varieties from 14 years to just eight. The project receives 45 crore in federal funding, with the remaining balance supplied by the industry over a four-year investment window.
Addressing Climatic Vulnerability and Operational Constraints
The initiative responds to a sharp contraction in milling operations, which have dropped from 200 days per year to approximately 100 days. This decline stems from various agricultural pressures, including waterlogging, rising temperatures, and persistent pest infestations. To stabilize the sector, the new center will focus on engineering varieties that offer:
- Higher sugar recovery rates and increased biomass yield.
- Enhanced tolerance to salinity, drought, and heat stress.
- Stronger resistance against regional diseases and pests.
- Improved ratooning capabilities for multi-season harvesting.
- Specific traits suitable for ethanol and bioenergy production.
Technological Integration and Regional Outlook
The project involves a multi-party agreement between the Union government, ICAR, ISMA, NFCSF, and the Institute. Beyond genetic research, the industry is pushing for digital transformation. In Maharashtra, 200,000 farmers currently utilize artificial intelligence to optimize output. S. Arunraj, Additional Director of the Tamil Nadu Directorate of Sugar, confirmed that a state delegation will visit Maharashtra to study AI implementation for local farmers.
While Tamil Nadu maintains the highest productivity levels in India, the state ranks sixth in overall production and faces shrinking cultivation areas, currently at 1.31 lakh hectares. Extreme heat has suppressed sugar recovery to roughly 8%, a figure the Coimbatore facility intends to improve through targeted research and international collaboration. Director P. Govindaraj noted the hub will integrate world-class infrastructure and global expertise to revitalize the crop's economic viability.
Source: The Hindu — Sci-Tech
Related stories
Apple Achieves Record $109.4B June Quarter Revenue Amid Rising Memory Cost Pressures
India Demands Meta Accountability After Restrictions on PM Modi’s Social Media Content
New Delhi Summons Meta Global Team Over Algorithmic Bias and Public Safety Concerns
