Way forward in organic sugarcane cultivation discussed at ICAR-SBI campaign

The future for organic sugarcane cultivation, recent scientific breakthroughs and new techniques to make it a profitable venture were highlighted by Dr. G. Hemaprabha, Director (Acting)  ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute and other senior scientists of the ICAR-SBI at campaign on organic farming. Dr. T. Rajula Shanthy, Principal Scientist and Head, Extension Section of the Institute said that sugarcane can be grown successfully in an organic way, the transition period being at least three years. Frontline demonstrations were conducted on organic sugarcane farming in farmers' fields, she said.G.K. Nagaraj, Director, Management Board of Agri-Innovate India Ltd., New Delhi spoke about the efforts being taken up by the Central government for restoring soil health and taking up natural / organic farming in a big way. 

 
R. Varadarajan, Executive Director, Rajshree Sugars and Chemicals Ltd., lauded the scientists of the ICAR-SBI Coimbatore for their contribution to sugarcane farming in the country in terms of high yielding sugar rich sugarcane varieties and associated scientific technologies. 

S. Raja, Vice President, CRI Pumps Group stated that CRI Pumps was associated with several state agricultural universities and honouring best farmers in the region each year through an Endowment Fund and expressed his desire to visit his farm and honour the farmer. 

Dr. G. Ranganathan, an organic farmer and former Managing Director of PRICOL,  Dr. R. Viswanathan, Principal Scientist and Head, Division of Crop Protection, Dr. C. Palaniswami, Principal Scientist and Head, Division of Crop Production were among those who spoke on the occasion.  R. Ramasamy of 83 years, a teacher turned organic farmer was honoured at the the campaign on organic farming organised by the ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore. His farm in Varapalayam, Thadagam serves as the only farm outlet in Coimbatore for organic jaggery.