SDG 2: Zero Hunger | SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Institutions: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that a separate team will be established within the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for sugarcane research and policy formulation. The announcement came during a national discussion on the sugarcane economy, organised with the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories.
The Minister underlined urgent issues such as vulnerability of popular varieties like Co 238 to red rot disease, the risks of monocropping, high water use, and farmer distress from delayed payments. He emphasised the need for intercropping, mechanisation, cost reduction, higher sugar recovery, and promoting bioproducts like ethanol and value-added derivatives.
ICARβs leadership highlighted priorities including crop diversification (pulses and oilseeds with sugarcane), water-efficient micro-irrigation, and improving fertiliser efficiency. The research agenda will focus on balancing farmer incomes, industry demands, and sustainability goals.
The creation of a dedicated research team marks a shift toward integrated sugarcane policy, blending productivity, water use efficiency, farmer welfare, and industrial competitiveness - critical in Indiaβs largest sugar-producing states.
What is ICAR? β The Indian Council of Agricultural Research, an autonomous body under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), coordinates agricultural research and education across India. It develops crop varieties, farming techniques, and sectoral policies.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
Can a specialised ICAR team align sugarcane research with farmer welfare and industry needs, while tackling water stress and monocropping risks?
Follow the full news here: Sugarcane Research Team, Sept 2025