The training program is being held from December 1 to 21, 2020
The ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, in collaboration with the National Agriculture Development Cooperative Ltd. (NADCL), Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir, has organized a 21-day ‘Virtual Advanced National Training Programme on Recent Scientific Interventions and Practices of Sugarcane Breeding, Production and Utilization for Doubling Farmers’ Income’ from December 1 to 21, 2020.
Dr Tilak Raj Sharma, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR commended the Institute’s contribution for its ‘Co’ varieties grown in over 78 per cent of sugarcane area in the country. He emphasized on the need for broadening the genetic base and micro-propagation for producing healthy planting materials to prevent the genetic vulnerability of sugarcane to pests and diseases.
Dr Bakshi Ram, Director, ICAR-SBI, Coimbatore, highlighted the varietal contribution made by the Institute in developing over 3,200 ‘Co canes’ during 108 years of breeding. He also stressed on the need for sustainable development of improved varieties coupled with adopting mechanization to meet the sugar and ethanol demand in the country.
Prof M P Thakur, Director of Instruction and Controller of Examinations, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur lauded the Institute for varietal contribution, particularly, ‘Co 0238’ benefiting the farmers and millers. He stressed on water saving sugarcane agriculture through drip irrigation.
A total of 141 participants representing the Agricultural Universities, Veterinary Universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and other Institutes from 18 States and 2 Union Territories are virtually participating in the training programme.
