Recently, a dedicated team of scientists from the ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Sugarcane, spearheaded by National Level Review Team Chairman Susheel Solomon, concluded an insightful two-day visit to the Agricultural Research Station (ARS) of Kerala Agricultural University in Thiruvalla on September 23rd and 24th.
Their visit involved a comprehensive review of the past five years of research and development activities at the station, alongside an evaluation of the latest breakthroughs in sugarcane farming. A key observation was the significant shortfall in raw materials needed to keep up with the increasing appetite for organic jaggery. This led to a strong recommendation: expand sugarcane cultivation across Kerala and prioritize the development of robust, climate-resilient varieties.
Furthermore, the scientists suggested utilizing the station’s naturally flood-prone environment as a unique testing ground. This would allow them to effectively screen sugarcane varieties for their resilience against common challenges like red rot disease and waterlogging, employing advanced artificial intelligence techniques for more efficient and accurate assessment.
During a briefing, R. Gladis, the Head of the station, proudly showcased the ARS’s pivotal role in creating ‘pathiyan sharkara’ – India’s first Geographical Indication (GI) tagged jaggery. To further boost its appeal, the visiting team proposed innovative ways to add value, such as infusing this special jaggery with beneficial medicinal herbs and aromatic spices, thereby making it even more attractive to consumers.