ICAR-ISRI Lucknow and ISMA Sign MoU for Advanced Centre for Quality Sugarcane Seed Production

The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and ICAR-Indian Sugarcane Research Institute (ICAR-ISRI) signed an MoU on August 13, 2026 to establish an Advanced Centre for Quality Sugarcane Seed Production. This farmer-centric initiative aims to build a science-based system for multiplying and distributing disease-free, genetically pure sugarcane seed, helping farmers access better varieties, improve cane productivity, and boost farm income.

Project Cost and Location

The project involves a total investment of ₹80 crore, with ISMA and ICAR-ISRI sharing the cost equally at ₹40 crore each. The Centre will be set up at the ICAR-ISRI campus in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, a major agricultural and research hub, and will serve sugar mills across the subtropical sugarcane-growing region. 

Motive of the ISMA and ICAR-ISRI Partnership

1. The core goal behind this collaboration is to bridge the gap between sugarcane research and actual field-level use. 
2. By combining ISMA's industry reach with ICAR-ISRI's scientific expertise, the initiative aims to make quality planting material more accessible to farmers, improve productivity per acre, and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the sugar industry.

Seed Production and Facility Features 

Quality Seed Production and Supply

Ensures timely production and supply of quality sugarcane planting material of improved and recommended varieties, with a defined annual production capacity.

Rapid Multiplication of New Varieties

Enables faster, scientifically managed multiplication of elite and newly released sugarcane varieties.

Varietal Replacement and Diversification

Supports systematic replacement of older varieties across sugar mill areas to improve cane productivity and sugar recovery.

Phytosanitary Quality Assurance

Maintains disease-free seed production through strict certification and regular quality checks.

Traceability and Quality Monitoring

Introduces digital tagging of seed lots to track quality and source throughout the seed-to-field journey.

Technical and Scientific Support

Provides ongoing guidance from ICAR-ISRI experts to maintain high seed quality standards.

Farmer-Level Adoption

Facilitates wider access to quality planting material through participating sugar mills, helping farmers achieve better yields and returns.