HAU introduced three new sugarcane varieties, signed MoU with Sugar Mill

Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) has introduced three new sugarcane varieties—COH 188, COH 176, and COH 179—which are set to lead sugarcane cultivation in the state. These new varieties are expected to follow in the successful footsteps of HAU's previous varieties such as COH 56 and COH 119, which have been popular in the past, and COH 160, which is widely grown in Haryana and neighbouring states. The announcement was made by HAU Vice Chancellor, Prof. B.R. Kamboj, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/s Saraswati Sugar Mills Limited, Yamunanagar.

The MoU was signed by Prof. Kamboj and Sugar Mills CEO S.K. Sachdeva. Dr. Atul Dhingra, director of Human Resource Management, represented HAU, while Senior Vice President D.P. Singh signed on behalf of Saraswati Sugar Mills.

Prof. Kamboj emphasized the importance of sugarcane as a crucial cash crop for both India and Haryana. Nationally, sugarcane is cultivated on 5.17 million hectares, yielding 439.4 million tonnes with a productivity rate of 849 quintals per hectare. In Haryana, it covers 1.07 lakh hectares, producing 88.82 lakh tonnes with a productivity of 819 quintals per hectare. The crop plays a vital role in the economic well-being of farmers and contributes significantly to the state and national economy by supplying raw materials to the sugar industry. The increasing importance of sugarcane for ethanol production further highlights its value. The university is committed to forming technology partnerships with sugar mills to accelerate the development, multiplication, and distribution of new sugarcane varieties to Haryana's farmers. Testing these varieties in mills is also crucial for their successful release.

S.K. Sachdeva highlighted the collaborative efforts of farmers, sugar mills, and government policy support in enhancing sugarcane cultivation. Haryana is home to 14 sugar mills, which process sugarcane to produce sugar, ethanol, and electricity. Saraswati Sugar Mills Limited, one of the largest in the country, boasts a high crushing capacity. This MoU is expected to strengthen the partnership between research institutions and the sugar industry.

Dr. Rajbir Garg, Regional Director of the Regional Research Center in Karnal, elaborated on HAU's contributions to sugarcane cultivation. The event was attended by Media Advisor Dr. Sandeep Arya, Dr. Renu Munjal, and Dr. Yogesh Jindal, in-charge of the IPR Cell.