Uttar Pradesh's share in the total sugarcane production of the country is about 45 percent. Sugarcane is also cultivated in many states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and Bihar, but UP plays an important role in terms of production. Apart from sugar, products like molasses and jaggery are prepared from sugarcane. In such a situation, the establishment of a university is considered important to promote improved sugarcane cultivation, development of new species and related industries.
At present, research work is done in the Indian Sugarcane Research Institute located in Lucknow and Sugarcane Research Council located in Shahjahanpur for the development of improved varieties and seeds of sugarcane. Apart from the state, farmers of other states also get the benefit of the research done by these institutes. There have also been efforts to establish universities in Western and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, but the proposal of the Sugarcane Research Council is considered strong on the basis of available resources, experienced scientists and team of employees.
Once the university is formed, studies and research can be done on subjects like sugarcane cultivation, improved seeds, products made from it, agro-based enterprises and technological development. This is expected to provide farmers with information about new technologies and improved varieties and also encourage sugarcane based industries.
Efforts to prevent red rat disease from new species
Sugarcane Research Council has developed early varieties Kosha 13235, 18231, 17231 and 19231 with moderate resistance to red rot disease. Their production is also said to be almost equal to the popular variety 0238. Apart from this, scientists of the Council have discovered two new strains named Stenotrophomonas maltophilia B-2132 and Pseudomonas stutzeri B-2133. Through these, work is being done to prepare seeds resistant to red rot disease.
Kosha-13235, Kosha-18231, Kosha-17231 and Kosha-19231 are among the latest strains from Coimbatore-Shahjahanpur. At the same time, the new variety Kosha-23232 is being distributed to the farmers. It is said to be free from red rot disease.
Finance Minister prepared the proposal
Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna has taken the initiative to grant the status of university to the Sugarcane Research Council. He told that discussions have been held with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in this regard. The proposal has been sent to the government. As soon as the cabinet approves it, the way will be cleared for the establishment of the country's first sugarcane university.