HISTORY

The Coordinated Research Program on Sugar Crops was initiated in 1982 at National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) initially with 3 Provincial Units: i) Sugarcane Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) Faisalabad (Punjab), ii) Sugar Crops Research Institute, Mardan, (NWFP) and Agricultural Research Institute, Tandojam (Sindh). Later on, research activities of Sugar Crops Research Program were extended to Balochistan, and the 4th Provincial Sugar Crops Research Unit was established at Govt. Seed Farm, Usta Muhammad in 1996. However, no sugar mill was established during that period in Balochistan, and disposal of sugar crops became a serious problem that affected the research activities of the provincial unit on large scale. Therefore, the unit in Balochistan was closed and all research resources were shifted to Quaid-e-Awam Agricultural Research Institute (QAARI), Larkana (Sindh) in 2002. Then, the 5th Provincial Coordinating Unit of Sugar Crops was established at Sugarcane Breeding Station Dargai, (Malakand Agency) in 2002 to cover ecology of northern part of NWFP. Later on, the 6th Provincial Coordinating Unit was established in 2003 at Agricultural Research Institute, D. I. Khan (NWFP) to cover Southern Ecology of NWFP after opening of Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC).

MAIN OBJECTIVE

The overall objective of National Coordinated Research Program is to coordinate research and development activities of sugar crops to improve the sugar crops sector in the country in collaboration with public and private research institutes of the provinces.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

Coordination

• Germplasm acquisition, maintenance, evaluation & distribution to provincial cooperative units

• Conduct and organize national uniform yield trials

• Conduct annual traveling seminar

• Organize annual planning and review meeting

• Provide variety testing & releasing mechanism

• Establish linkages with national & international institutions

Research

To develop sugarcane varieties with characteristics of:

• High yielding

• High sugar contents

• Drought tolerance

• Cold tolerance

• Salt tolerance

• Good ratoonability

• Resistant to insect pest and diseases

To improve crop-production technology:

• Planting time & methodology

• Plant population dynamics

• Weed management

• Insect pest and diseases management

• Balanced fertilizer use

• Water use efficiency

• Ratoon crop management

Major Ongoing Activities of Coordinated Sugar Crops Research Program

• National Uniform Yield Trial 2009-2011 (plant crop)

• National Uniform Yield Trial 2010-2012 1st year (plant crop)

• National Uniform Yield Trial 2010-2012 2nd year (plant crop)

• National Uniform Yield Trial 2011-2013 1st year (plant crop)

• Maintaining and valuation of exotic/local sugarcane germplasm lines

• Screening of sugarcane germplasm against insect pest and diseases

• Screening of sugarcane candidate varieties planted under NUYT program against diseases and insect pests

• Number of buds/seed setts effect on yield and quality of sugarcane

• Sugarcane intercropping with legume and non legume crops

• Application-timing effect of Furadon-3G on sugarcane borers

• Conduct and organize National Uniform Yield Trials (NUYT) across the country

• Organize sugar crops annual planning meeting

• Conduct Annual Traveling Seminar

• Monitoring and evaluation of sugarcane NUYTs at each Provincial Cooperative Unit across the country

ACHIEVEMENTS

TECHNOLOGY GENERATED / RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE

• The best source and dose of potash has been identified (K2O @ 120-170 Kg ha-1) to maximize cane yield and improve quality. These findings have been demonstrated at the farmers' fields to train and motivate them.

• Use of Gesapax Combi (80-wp) @4.00 kg per hectare in 100 gallons of water proved to be the best herbicide for controlling the sugarcane weeds.

• A total of 3182 disease and insect-free varieties of sugarcane have been supplied to various government and private research institutes for development of new sugarcane varieties under different agro-ecological zones of the respective province (Table 1).

• Approximately 4000 grams cane fuzz were collected from the lower Sindh area and distributed to the provincial coordinated units to raise cane seedlings for the development of sugarcane varieties.

• Three sugarcane varieties NSG-6, NSG-555 and NSG-311, developed by the private sector (Shakkarganj Sugarcane Research Institute, Jhang) through coordinated program of the PARC have recently been presented to Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) for their approval to release as commercial sugarcane varieties in the country.

• Under germplasm acquisition, evaluation and distribution program, more than 200 sugarcane varieties/lines, collected from different sources across the country and abroad were planted, maintained and evaluated at NARC against insect pests and diseases and 30 clones were distributed to provincial cooperative units during 2005-06 to develop candidate sugarcane varieties. However, more than 40,000 clones so far have been distributed to public and private research institutions in the provinces since the inception of coordinated program of PARC.

• Approximately 26% sugarcane yield per acre has been increased in the country through the Coordinated Sugar Crops Research efforts of the PARC since 1982.

• Besides, using pesticides, insects can also be controlled through biological measures. Cotesia flavips, Epi-pyropes, Trichogramma chilonis and Chrysopa have been identified as important larval and egg parasitoids of sugarcane insect pests. Presently both Trichogramma and Chrysopa are being mass multiplied in the laboratories of some private sector sugarcane research institutes and supplied to the farmers.

• IPM laboratories have been established in the following sugar mills in collaboration with IPM program of NARC and the private sectors:

                o Shakkarganj Sugar Mills

                o Tandlianwal Sugar Mills

                o Shahtaj Sugar Mills

                o Layyah Sugar Mills

                o Chashma Sugar Mills

                o Pattoki Sugar Mills

                o Habib Sugar Mills

• Collaboration with private sector like Shakkarganj sugar research institute, Jhang, Punjab, Habib Sugar Mills, Ltd., Nawabshah, Sindh, Matiari Sugr Mills, Matiari, Sindh, Dewan Farooq Sugar Research Institute, Sindh have been started to develop sugarcane varieties in the country.

• An informal survey of sugarcane variety composition in the country has done recently. Approximately, more than 58% sugarcane varieties presently cultivated in the country are unapproved, out-dated, inferior quality, mediocre etc. The condition in Sindh is worst, where more than 80% unapproved and mediocre varieties are cultivated. The information regarding the sugarcane variety situation is circulated to Federal and Provincial cane commissioners for information and necessary action to improve the variety situation in the country.

• An informal survey of sugarcane freezing-frost damage during December-January 2005-06 in the country was done. The temperature during these months reached as low as 0 to -3.0° C in sugarcane growing areas. The sugarcane crop damage was recorded from 70 to 90 % of total stand crop in Punjab and NWFP while 40 % in upper Sindh. Weight loss in sugarcane due to frost was 10-25 % and decrease in sugar recovery was 1.23 to 2.0 units. The approved cane varieties CP-77-400, CP-72-2086, Mardan-92, Mardan-93, SPF-213, SPSG-394 and HSF-240 were less affected by the frost.

• The findings of sugarcane intercropping study, conducted at NARC showed that planting of sole crop produced significantly higher number of canes (118,000 ha-1) and cane yield (130.5 t ha-1). Similarly, findings of sugarcane seed-rate experiment, conducted at NARC, showed that seed rate of 75, 000 DBS ha-1 (double budded setts per hectare) produced significantly highest number of mill able canes and cane yield (170.1 t ha-1) than the seed rates of 50 and 25 thousands DBS ha-1.

• A comprehensive nutrient indexing survey of sugarcane fields of Sargodha and Jhang districts was carried out. It was found that 30% farmers used optimum N fertilizers, 32 % farmers used optimum P fertilizers and only 11 % farmers used K fertilizers. Fifty six percent farmers applied farmyard manure (FYM). All the fields of Jhang and Sargodha district were low in AB-DTPA extractable NO3-N, 97 % were low in P and 4 % in K. Most of the fields had pH (1:1) more than 8.0 and 41 % fields were low in soil OM. Sixty seven percent sugarcane plants of Sargodha district were deficient in N, all in P but none in K. In case of Jhang District, 43 % sugarcane plants were deficient in N, none in P but 25 % in K. Zinc and B were also found deficient in sugarcane cultivated soils and plant tissues.

• Out reach trials, conducted in Jhang and Sargodha districts concluded that application of press mud at 10 t ha-1 along with Zn + B and 50 % of recommended rate of NP & K fertilizers produced better cane yield, brix and number of canes per hectare and also maximum net benefit. The increase in yield was 22.8 % over that of farmers practice (FP). An increase of 26.4 % in sugarcane yield was observed with Zn + B application along with recommended rate of NP and K fertilizers over that of FP.

Application of recommended NPK (210+125+135 kg ha-1) along with 5 t PM ha-1 gave maximum cane yield (72.8 t ha-1) followed by half rate of NPK fertilizers and 10 t PM ha-1 (67.9 t ha-1). Increase in yield was 49.8 and 39.9 %, respectively over that of Farmers' Practice.

In nutrient management experiments (Zinc and Boron application trials), application of half NPK + Zn+B (7.5+1.5 kg ha-1) +10 t PM ha-1 gave maximum cane yield (84.9 t ha-1) followed by recommended rate of NPK+Zn+B (83.8 t ha-1). Increase in yield was 22.8 and 21.2 %, respectively over that of Farmers' Practice.

SUGAR CROPS TRAVELLING SEMINAR 2006

The Coordinated Sugar Crops Research Programme of the PARC organizes its annual travelling seminar regularly to review the sugar crops situation across the country. This year, seminar was organized during November 20-26, 2006 for the sugarcane growing areas of Punjab and NWFP provinces.

• The main objectives of the seminar are as under: 

• To record the general condition of the sugarcane crop in the country.

• To evaluate the performance of NUYT sugarcane candidate varieties planted under different agro-ecological zones across the country.

• To monitor the insect pest and disease situation of the sugarcane crop.

• To identify important issues relating to sugarcane production.

• To promote inter-institutional and interdisciplinary coordination/linkages.

• To meet with progressive and small sugar crops growers of the area at their door steps and acquaint with their problems and suggest solutions to their problems.

• To develop strategies for improvement of sugar crop sector in the country.
  

Table 1: Sugarcane Germplasm Lines Distributed to Various Organizations

Table 2:         Commercial Sugarcane Varieties Developed and Released through Coordinated Sugar Crops Research Program of the PARC 

Table 3:           Pipeline sugarcane varieties developed through Coordinated Sugar Crops Research Program of PARC

Table 4:  Candidate Sugarcane Varieties under Testing In NUYT Program across The Country

SUGARCANE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY
 

Land preparation

Sugarcane is a deep-rooted crop and proper land preparation plays an important role in the development of cane root system, and achieving optimal growth of the crop. Land should be prepared by deep ploughing at least after every two years. The soil should be disked.

It is very important that at least 8 to 10 cart loads of well-rotten farmyard manure (FYM) should be applied a month prior to land preparation. Press mud from the sugar industry is another excellent source of organic matter and nutrients. Green manuring may also serve the purpose.

Soil in the prepared field should be friable and well worked so that full germination takes place and later on plants grow without any inhibiting barriers (compact sub-soil layer).

Planting time, method and seed rate

Sugarcane must be planted either in September or in Feb.-March. September planted crop usually produces 25 to 35 % higher yield. Sugarcane should be planted at a row spacing of 100 cm. Three-budded double setts should be placed end to end in the furrows covered with 2 to 3 cm soil layer. About 80 to 100 mounds of thin cane varieties and 100 to 120 mounds of thick varieties is sufficient to plant one acre.

Seed Selection

Use healthy seed of approved varieties of sugarcane. This can increase cane yield from 20 to 25 per cent. Sugarcane varieties recommended for various provinces are given in Table 5.

Table 5: Recommended Varieties of Sugarcane

Seed Treatment

Seed may be treated with hot water at 520 C for 30 minutes and with fungicide. This will help in better germination and the control of many cane diseases.

Fertilizer application

As mentioned earlier fertilizer use in Pakistan is imbalanced, inadequate and improper. Most of the cane growers in the country use only nitrogenous fertilizers while others use an imbalanced combination of N and P. Use of Potash is almost neglected in cane crop. It is very important to use proper doses of balanced fertilizers to exploit the maximum yield potential of cane crop. Fertilizer recommendations for sugarcane for various ecological zones are given in Table 6.

Table 6: Recommended doses of Fertilizers for Sugarcane

All phosphorus and potash and one fourth N should be applied at the time of planting. It is preferable that P and K may be applied in furrows where seed setts are to be placed. Rest of the nitrogenous fertilizer may be applied in three equal splits i.e. during April, May and by mid June to February-March planted crop.

It will be beneficial if N is applied in four equal splits to September planted crop besides one fifth applied at planting. In this case it may be applied during March, April, May and June. September planted crop may be given an additional dose of 20 to 40 kg N (one to two bags of urea) per acre.

Weed control
Good land preparation is a key factor in controlling weeds. For proper weed control, Gesapax Combi (80 WP) may be applied @ 1.4 kg per acre in medium textured soils and @ 1.8 kg per acre in heavy soils in 100 to 120 liters of water. The weedicide should be used with the advice of the technical experts.

Integrated Pest Management For Sugarcane

Insect pests play an important role in reducing the sugarcane yield. The most serious insect pests are sugarcane borers, Pyrilla, and whitefly. In some areas mealy bug, black bug and armyworm are also causing damage.

In Pakistan exact estimates of yield losses due to insect attack are lacking but it has been reported that top borer, stem borer, Gurdaspur borer and Pyrilla cause a reduction in yield from 15-20, 10-20 and 30-35 percent, respectively. In some cases as high as 80-85 percent reduction in crop yield due to insect attack has been reported.

These losses in sugarcane can only be minimized by proper protection of the cane crop from insect pests with scientifically designed IPM Program throughout the year. Pesticides are applied as and when needed in combination with cultural practices, resistant varieties and introduction and conservation of natural enemies. Pesticides will continue to play an important role in the IPM Program. The primary difference, however, is that these products will be used selectively and judiciously.

Farmyard manure should always be used when it is fully rotten. This will reduce termite attack. Trash in the field should not be kept for longer time and it may be burnt. Dry shoots attacked by the bores must be pulled out and burnt. Always cut the crop as close to the ground as possible. Use of light traps will help controlling the spread of borers killing their adults. Earthing up during May-June will help in controlling Gurdaspur borer as the adults will not be able to come out of the ridges of the soil. In case of severe attack of any insect, do not keep the crop as ratoon.

Besides using pesticides/insecticides, insects could also be controlled by biological measures. These control measures are safe for environment, and hazard free. Trichogramma chilonis destroys the eggs of sugarcane borers. Its female lays eggs inside the eggs of borers. Parasitoid larvae feed in the host eggs, destroying them. Epi-pyropes destroy sugarcane pyrilla. These parasitoids are mass multiplied in the laboratory and then released in the cane fields.

Control of diseases

For controlling sugarcane diseases, use healthy and disease-free seed of resistant varieties. Treat the seed with hot water or fungicide/s before planting. Seed may be treated with hot water at 520 C for 30 minutes. The diseased plants from the field should be removed and either buried or burnt. Farmers should avoid keeping ratoon of a certain crop, which have got severe disease attack during first crop season.

Irrigation
It is very important to take care of the irrigation requirements of sugarcane, particularly in summer months. Farmers must plan their acreage to be planted under cane crop according to the available water at their farm. Keep in mind that each field should get at least 16 to 20 irrigations during the crop year adjusting the irrigation schedule according to rainfall in summer.

Irrigation Schedule

Table 7: Irrigation intervals for Sugarcane

Ratoon crop management

If the ratoon crop is properly managed, it could give higher returns than the plant crop because of savings in certain field operations and inputs. It is important to remember that ratoon crop requires 30 to 40 per cent higher fertilizers than the plant crop. The end of January to beginning of March is the best time to keep the crop for ratooning. Cane from the fields to be kept for ratoon should be cut at ground level.

The sugar recovery in ratoon crop is also better and it matures earlier than the plant crop. However, remember that it has to be managed with extra efforts and care. Apply all the phosphorus and potash fertilizer plus one third of N during March. Plough the land in between the furrows to mix the fertilizer well in the soil and then irrigate the crop. Fill the gaps; control the weeds, insect pests and diseases properly. Rest of the nitrogenous fertilizer should be applied in two equal splits during April and May.

Harvesting

Stop irrigation 25 to 30 days before the harvest of crop and do not leave the harvested crop for long in the field. In case it has to be kept for a prolonged period, it should be covered with trash. Different varieties planted may be harvested according to their maturity. Harvesting of early maturing varieties may be started during November, mid season varieties during December and the late maturing varieties during January. The crop harvested during February-March gives good ratoon crop.

SUGAR BEET PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Sugar beet is an important sugar crop in the world. It provides almost 30% of the world sugar for human consumption. Table 8 describes the important beet growing countries and their yield potentials. Sugar beet is also an important cash and sugar crop of Khyber Pakhtoon Khawah (KPK). It is considered to be an alternate sugar crop of the region. The crop has the peculiarity of giving as much yield per acre as that of sugar cane but with 20-25 percent higher recovery just in 7 months crop season. Thus sugar beet ensures higher sugar production per acre per month.

Table 8: Area, production and yield of sugar beet in the world

To bridge a wide gap in yield of sugar beet crop in the region a brief on improved production technology as described here.

Time of Planting:

The best planting time of sugar beet is from mid to end of the October for Leiah, Bhakkar and Dera Ismail Khan Regions. October sowing gives higher beet and sugar yields. If a farmer completes beet sowing in this period, he can get the maximum yield and ultimately highest profit. Planting in November gives lower beet root yield as well as sugar yield compared to October planted crop.

Selection of Variety:

Varieties with higher beet root yield, sugar yield and particularly more disease resistant should be selected very carefully as it has a great economic impact on both farmer plus millers.   

Seed Bed Preparation:

Cultivate the land properly, i.e. 2 times with cultivator and 1 deep plough (up to 15 inches). So that no more clots are present in the soil. The soil should not be more powdery too. If soil is clottier then seed may remain bare and that will result in poor germination. On the other hand powdery soil may become compact and allow less seed germination. Soil should be porous and level so that water travels smoothly in the field.

Planting Method:

Single row top seeding at 45 cm gives higher yield, due mostly to the higher plant population. With this method we can easily re-sow the seed and maintain the required plant population as well as harvesting is easy. Use of beet planter saves time, labor and gives higher economic efficiency over manual sowing. 

Seed Rate:

Less seed rate results in lower plant population ultimately reduces the yield. So farmers must use 1-1.5 kg seed/acre in order to achieve recommended plant population and maximum beet yield.

Seed Depth:

Seed depth should be appropriate i.e. not more than 1 inch. This is because if seed is deeper then seed cannot germinate and there is a need to re-sow the seed. Alternatively if seed remains naked it cannot germinate and hence affect plant population. So in this case we should place the seed very carefully to avoid any type of loss or failure.    

Row to Row Distance:

Row to row distance depends upon the sowing method. If sowing is on top of the ridges then ridges should be narrow (45 cm) so that we can maintain the plant population. With regarding double row method, row to row space should be 75 cm. However, single row with top seeding at 45 cm gives higher yield.

Ridge planting:

Besides flat sowing method ridge plant is also an alternate technique. If seed bed is properly prepared and ridges are of equal height and leveled, then farmer can achieve better seed germination and better beet root formation. Sugar beet may be dibbled on top or both sides of the ridges depending upon ridge to ridge distance (45 or 75 cm).

a) Single row planting: Planting will be done as a single row on the ridges if ridge to ridge distance is 45 cm apart.

b) Double row planting: Planting will be done as a double row on both sides of the ridges if ridge to ridge distance is 75 cm apart.

Plant to Plant Distance:

Plant to plant distance must be maintained up to 6-7 inches so that we can retain 40,000 plus plants. If this distance is not maintained properly then it will affect the plant’s vegetative growth as well as root size.

Plant Population:

Plant population is the single most dominant factor affecting yield of beet roots. In order to maintain the plant population check out the germination, if it is more than 80% then there is no need to re-sowing or transplanting. But if it is less than required then re-sow the seed or transplant the plants from thick area. The ideal plant density is 87,500 to 100,000 per hectare.

Thinning and Transplanting:

Thinning is done in order to maintain the proper plant to plant distance so that plant growth is vigorous and root size will be appropriate (1-1.5Kg/plant). It must be done when germination is completed. The gaps should also be filled at proper time i.e. right after 30-40 days of germination. In this regard we can transplant thinned out plants in gaps to avoid re-sowing.   

Weeding and Hoeing:

Weeding and hoeing must be done at right time i.e. when vegetative growth is at peak and at the time of root formation. It also depends on the field condition, farmer can visually observe the field to decide whether there is a need to eradicate the weeds or not. Poor and untimely weeding can affected the growth of crop and reduce yield.

Control of Weeds by Herbicides:

There are very limited herbicides available in the market regarding beet crop. The experiments show that, the herbicide “Dual Gold” has given good results in controlling weeds. It is a pre emergence herbicide and can be applied by tow different methods i.e. spray and flooded method. It has been observed that flooding method is more effective and gives better results over spraying method. Spraying method effects the germination and intends crop into stress. The herbicide “Relax” appears to have depressed yield.

Control of Pest/Diseases:

Most common diseases of this crop are Rhizomania, Cercospora leaf spot, Powdery Mildew and Downy Mildew. Rhizomania is a viral disease while other three are fungal and bacterial diseases. Army worm is a major pest of sugar beet in area. If a crops is affected be any disease or insect pest, it nust be properly diagnosed first. If the damage by the pest or disease is up to threshold level and there is a threat that it can damage the crop severely then apply the pesticide/fungicide immediately. If pest or disease is not controlled then increase the dosage or change the chemical.

Optimum Dose and Time of Fertilization:

The experiments proved that the optimum dose of fertilizer for sugar beet crop NPK is Nitrogen @ 120 kg/ha, phosphorus (P₂O₅) @ 100 kg/ha and potash (K₂O) @ 62.5 kg/ha. Phosphorus is a slow releasing fertilizer so it should be applied as basal dose with last cultivation so that it must be mixed in the soil properly. Nitrogen fertilizer can be applied in 3-4 split doses and it must be completed within three months after germination. In sandy soils Zinc and other micronutrients application would also benefit the crop in terms of yield, sugar recovery and disease resistance.  

Irrigation:

First irrigation after sowing is very critical, because if field is over irrigated, it may compact the soil and seed germination will be effected. So water should remain beneath the seed to moist it only. If irrigation is applied at right time, the crop growth is more vigorous, root formation is good and ultimately crop results a better yield. Farmers must be careful in irrigation prospective throughout the season especially at vegetative stage and root growth. Sugar beet is 6-7 months crop so it needs 8-10 irrigations. If soil is clayey then irrigation should be stopped 30-40 days before harvesting because this type of soil have more water holding capacity and crop does not face any stress. In other case if soil is sandy then irrigation may be stopped 10-20 days before harvesting because sandy soil has lesser water holding capacity and crop may goes into water stress. If irrigation is not stopped before harvesting, it will cause in lesser yield as well as immature crop.

Harvesting Method:

Beet crop can be harvested manually as well as mechanically. In Pakistan no specific and advanced beet harvesters are available. Most of the harvesting is done manually and some areas it is done with tractor. It has been observed that harvesting with tractor damages the beet roots and is uneconomical.

Optimum Harvesting Time:

When the leaves of the crop are yellowish green and reduce in size, now it is the sign that crop is mature and ready to harvest. The best harvesting time is the month of May in the region of Laeiah, Bhakkar and Dera Ismael Khan. The research indicates that higher root and sugar yields are obtained from the crop harvested in the month of May.  

Post Harvest Staling Losses:

Post harvest staling is the most critical issue in beet harvesting. Both the growers and millers suffer from these losses. The data evidenced that weight losses in beet are 5, 10, 14 and 18 % on 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th day after harvesting respectively. Sugar recovery loss is recorded to the tune of 1.1, 2.4, 5.6 and 8.4 % respectively for the corresponding periods. It is recommended that beet should be transported and sliced within 24 hours of harvesting in the month of May. Losses may considerably be reduced by storing the beet under certain covers.

FUTURE STRATEGY

Future Plans

• Establishment of strong sugarcane breeding programs in the country to minimize reliance on imported cane fuzz and cane setts.

• Development of sugarcane varieties for:

           - High cane yield

           - High sugar content

           - Drought tolerance

           - Salt tolerance

           - Cold tolerance

• Improvement in sugarcane production technology

• Balanced fertilizer use, including micronutrients

• Development of new planting technique for efficient water use

• Supply of good quality seed of high yielding approved sugarcane varieties to farmers' especially small farmers in collaboration

• with private sectors.

• Introduction of sugarcane mechanization in the country

• Establishment of IPM laboratories at all sugar mills in the country in collaboration with Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA)

• Introduction and adaptation of commercial cultivation of sugar beet in all the provinces

• Training of technical manpower both in public and private sector in collaboration with PSMA & PSST.

Targets for 2010

• At least 25% per acre sugarcane yield will be increased by cultivation of approved high yielding sugarcane varieties with better crop management practices.

• At least 30 crosses of sugarcane varieties will be purchased from USA, Brazil and India to develop sugarcane varieties.

• At least 10 high yielding varieties with high sucrose contents and other desired traits would be developed and introduced for commercial cultivation in the country.

• Strong sugarcane breeding programs shall be initiated in the country.

• IPM laboratories will be established at least in 50% sugar mills in coordination with the private sector in the three sugarcane-growing provinces.

• At least six scientists shall be sent abroad for short and long-term trainings.

• Techniques like alternate furrow irrigation system, fertigation and integrated nutrient management shall be introduced/ demonstrated to farmers at large scale.

• Feasibility study on introduction of sprinkler irrigation system for sugarcane cultivation in collaboration with private sector will be conducted.

• Demonstration of mechanized sugarcane harvesting to the farmers in collaboration with private sector will be done.

• Proper feasibility study for commercial cultivation of sugar beet across the country shall be carried out.

• Decrease in area under sugarcane by 10% and bring the same under sugar beet cultivation in the country.

• Ensure supply of good quality seed of approved sugarcane varieties to at least 30% sugarcane growers in collaboration with private and public sector.

• At least one international sugarcane conference will be organized in Pakistan.

• At least two sugarcane manuals including development, production and processing operations (one in English and one in Urdu) will be published.

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