Sugarcane Seed Replacement Programme / Production Enhancement Scheme

The scheme “Sugarcane Seed Replacement Programme / Production Enhancement Scheme” is implemented by the Department of Sugarcane Development and Sugar Industry, Government of Uttarakhand. The scheme aims to increase sugarcane productivity and improve sugar recovery by promoting the cultivation of high-quality, high-yielding, and newly developed sugarcane varieties, while providing farmers with financial support, modern cultivation techniques, and access to advanced agricultural technology.

1. 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.

1. The applicant must be a resident of Uttarakhand.
2. The applicant must be a farmer cultivating sugarcane.
3. The applicant must be a permanent member of a cooperative sugarcane development society.
4. The applicant must practice advanced sugarcane farming.
5. The applicant’s name must be registered in the land records of the state.

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To select sugarcane farmers eligible for the benefits of this scheme, the selection is carried out after discussions with public representatives in the Gram Sabha (village assembly) meeting at the village level, followed by a survey conducted by the sugarcane supervisor, and subsequent approval by departmental officers (Sugarcane Development Inspector, Senior Sugarcane Development Inspector, and Assistant Sugarcane Commissioner).