Sugarcane Seed Replacement Programme / Production Enhancement Scheme

**Sugarcane Seed Modification and Varietal Balance:** A plan has been prepared to replace sugarcane varieties that have been cultivated for a long time and are currently grown (such as Ko.Sha.-767, Ko.-1148, Ko.Sha.-97264, Ko.Sha.-94257, and Ko.Sha.-8436, etc.) with better quality, high-yielding, and certified varieties. Newly developed quality sugarcane varieties include Ko.Pant. 12221, Ko.Sha. 8272, Ko. 0118, Ko.P.K. 5191, Ko. 15023, Ko.P.B. 91, Ko.P.B. 92, Ko.P.B. 96, Ko.P.B. 98, Ko. 13035, Ko.LKH. 9709, Ko.LKH. 12207, Ko.LKH. 14201, Ko.Sha. 13235, Ko.LKH. 15201, and Ko.LKH. 16202, etc. For low-lying areas, these high-yielding varieties should be cultivated in sufficient quantities to increase the success rate of sugarcane cultivation and enhance sugar recovery in mills. Sugarcane seed from research centers attracts a 20% premium over the government-declared sugarcane price. Farmers will be given an incentive for sugarcane seed purchased above the mill gate price. It is also proposed to provide farmers with a 100% subsidy on harvesting, loading, and transportation costs when sourcing sugarcane seed from research centers at the mill gate rate per quintal. 1. **Subsidy on Base/Primary Nursery:** To encourage farmers, it is proposed to provide a subsidy of ₹50/- per quintal to base nursery holders and ₹25/- per quintal to primary nursery holders for the distribution of sugarcane seeds. 1. **Latest Methods of Sugarcane Sowing**: For sugarcane sowing, the latest trench method or row-spacing method should be adopted, under which the furrow-to-furrow distance should be 4 feet, the depth 1 foot, and the distance between two-eyed pieces should be 4–6 inches or 6–9 inches. To encourage farmers, it is proposed to provide a subsidy of ₹10,000/- for demonstration of 1 hectare of early variety, single-eye/two-eye planting, and mixed farming on farmers’ fields. 1. **Weed Management System:** A 50% subsidy is proposed on herbicides for effective weed control in sugarcane crops. 1. **Protection of Crops from Insects and Diseases:** A 50% subsidy is proposed on agricultural chemicals, including high-quality insecticides and pesticides, to protect sugarcane crops from insects and diseases. 1. **Providing Information About Latest Technology to Farmers:** From time to time, technical information related to higher yield and improved sugarcane varieties will be provided to farmers. The Sugarcane Development Department and the Sugarcane Farmers Institute & Training Center, Kashipur, provide training to farmers, employees, and officials, and organize district-level farmers’ seminars. 1. **Providing Access to Modern Agricultural Equipment to Farmers:** Farmers will be provided with modern agricultural equipment suitable for sugarcane cultivation, including battery-operated or petrol-powered sprayers, harrows, and cultivators. It is proposed to distribute drone sprayers and trench openers in the coming years.

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