48 sugarcane varieties developed

Ishwardi (Pabna) Correspondent :
Bangladesh Sugarcrop Research Institute (BSRI) located at Ishwardi has successfully developed 48 varieties of sugarcane so far. This oldest research institute has been conducting research on innovation and multipurpose use of sugarcane and sweet crops. The sugar and molasses industry is based on sugarcane, the country’s source of sweet food. Apart from sugarcane, the institute has been conducting research on sweet crops such as sugar beet, palm, dates, holly leaves, honey and stevia. BSRI is working towards achieving self-sufficiency in sugar and molasses production of the country.
The journey of this institution started in 1931 in Dhaka’s Manipuri neighborhood. The head office of BSRI was established in 1951 at Ishwardi in Pabna. The scientists of this autonomous institute have so far developed 48 sugarcane (Iksu) varieties. There are three varieties of sugarcane that are chewy and tasty.
According to BSRI sources, with the aim of achieving self-sufficiency in sugar and molasses production of the country, BSRI is continuing research activities by setting up 3 regional centers and 9 sub-centres across the country. Currently 83 scientists, 393 officials and 116 workers are working. 99% of the sugar mill area and 65% of the non-sugar mill area are cultivated in one lakh hectares of sugarcane varieties. Apart from sugarcane, two varieties of sugar beet, one perennial palm variety and one stevia variety have been registered by the institute. BSRI received 1,420 Bangabandhu Krishi Padak in the category of innovation and diffusion of environment-friendly technologies. In addition, this organization has planted 95,500 palm trees, 88,000 palm saplings along roads and river embankments in different parts of the country. 5 thousand 100 exhibition and research plots have been set up in different regions of the country. Besides, training was provided to 2,150 extension officers and employees and 17,160 farmers involved in sugarcane cultivation. Farm in-charge Sanjit Mondal said that BSRI is established on 235 acres of land. Out of this cultivable land is 158 acres. The research and farm department cultivates and researches various sweet crops including sugarcane, palm, stevia, sugar beet, palm, dates on this land. Especially sugarcane variety Ishwardi-34. Varieties ranging from Ishwardi-37, BSRI-41 to BSRI 46 are cultivated here with maximum cultivation and seed production.