A field day on sugarcane variety Co 14012 was organised at the Melechootra tribal settlement in the Attappady hills of Palakkad district by ICAR–Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, in collaboration with ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Palakkad.
The programme was conducted at the Frontline Demonstration plot of tribal farmer Smt. Valli Sathish under the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribe Component project.
ICAR–SBI Director Dr. P. Govindaraj reviewed the historical importance of sugarcane cultivation in Kerala and explained the reasons for the decline in area over the years. Referring to the GI-tagged Marayoor jaggery of Idukki district prepared largely using the Co 86032 variety, he said Co 14012 could serve as a suitable alternative. He also released a Malayalam extension leaflet on Co 14012 and distributed quality seed material to farmers.
Shri C. Thangavel, President, Pudur Panchayat, appreciated the initiative, while Shri M. Govindaraj, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Government of Kerala, Agali, assured departmental support for training programmes.
Earlier, Dr. D. Puthira Prathap, Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer (DAPSTC), welcomed the gathering. Scientists Dr. N. Geetha, Dr. R. Gopi, Dr. P. Geetha, Ms. Adhini S. Pazhany and Dr. Jiji Allen participated. Senior officials from the Department of Agriculture and Bannari Amman Sugars Ltd. and over 100 farmers from Agali and Pudur panchayats attended.
Dr. M. Israel Thomas, Professor and Head, ICAR–KVK, Palakkad, proposed the vote of thanks.
