(a) whether the Government propose to develop a new variety of sugarcane for low productivity areas;
(b) if so, the main features of the said proposal;
(c) whether some tests have been conducted in this regard;
(d) if so, the outcome thereof; and
(e) the increase in the income of the farmers likely to be made as a result of the development of the new variety of sugarcane?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a) Researches to develop sugarcane varieties for low productivity areas are a part of our regular programme on development of improved sugarcane varieties.
(b) Development of improved varieties with higher yield and tolerance to biotic/abiotic stresses for low productivity areas mainly in north-central India are the important features of such researches.
(c) Varieties developed under this programme have been tested in research centers under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Sugarcane of ICAR as well as under Frontline Demonstrations in Farmers` Fields.
(d) Varieties such as `Sarayu`, `Moti` and `Gandak` with potential sugarcane yield above 70 t/ha have been notified during 2000-01 for commercial cultivation in north-central zone of the country.
(e) A number of varieties tested in Frontline Demonstrations have displayed yield benefit ranging from 38 to 70%.