ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute Organizes ‘Field Day’ for Newly Released Sugarcane Variety, ‘Co 14012’

A ‘Field Day’ for the newly released sugarcane variety, Co 14012, was organized by the ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute (ICAR-SBI), Coimbatore, in collaboration with Sakthi Sugars Ltd. on December 17, 2024, in Mathur village, Anthiyur, Erode, Tamil Nadu. The event, held at the frontline demonstration plot of farmer T. Thirukumaran, aimed to introduce a promising variety to local farmers.

Farmers toured the plot of Co 14012, a variety praised for its drought tolerance, non-flowering nature, high tillering, and pest and disease resistance. Thirukumaran, who had grown the crop for 11 months, expressed satisfaction with its performance. The event also featured an exhibition of new cane varieties and agricultural inputs organized by Sakthi Sugars Ltd.

Dr. P. Govindaraj, Director of ICAR-SBI, addressed the gathering, stressing that sugarcane farming could only remain profitable if farmers achieve yields of at least 70 tonnes per acre. He expressed concern over the decline in sugarcane cultivation in Tamil Nadu, the undercapacity of factories, and stagnant farmer incomes. He highlighted Co 14012 as a viable alternative to the older Co 86032 variety, hoping it would reinvigorate the sector.

Sakthi Sugars Ltd. Vice President, V. Thiruvenkadam, emphasized the importance of developing cane varieties suited to local conditions to boost farmers' incomes.

Dr. D. Puthira Prathap, Principal Scientist at ICAR-SBI, explained that the Field Day was designed to gather direct feedback from farmers and spread awareness of Co 14012. Farmers were impressed by the crop’s growth, signaling a positive reception to the new variety.

During a Q&A session, Dr. K. Mohanraj, one of the developers of Co 14012, along with P. Ashokumar from Sakthi Sugars Ltd and FLD farmer T. Thirukumaran, shared detailed insights and addressed farmers’ queries about cultivation practices.

Over 80 farmers, along with officials from Sakthi Sugars Ltd, ICAR-SBI, and the Tamil Nadu Agricultural Department, participated in the event.