MoU signed to boost productivity, climate resilience, and farmer empowerment through science-led collaboration at Gobind Sugar Mills, Uttar Pradesh

The Indian Sugarcane Research Institute (ICAR-ISRI), Lucknow, and Zuari Industries (ZIL) have entered into a strategic partnership to implement a Cane Excellence Program at Gobind Sugar Mills, Aira, in Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh. The collaboration formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), is aimed at enhancing sugarcane productivity, promoting sustainable farming practices, and integrating research and development with field-level action.

Signed by  R. Viswanathan, Director of ICAR-ISRI, and Alok Saxena, Executive Director & Unit Head of Zuari Industries, Gobind Sugar Mills, the agreement outlines a comprehensive approach to improve cane development, address climate challenges, and support farmer capacity building. The program will focus on areas such as agronomy excellence, the evaluation of high-yielding and waterlogging-tolerant sugarcane varieties, crop and pest management, soil-water conservation, and seed cane and nursery practices.

Saxena emphasised the importance of the initiative in empowering farmers through technology and knowledge. “Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering farmers with knowledge and tools that can significantly improve yield and income. Together with ICAR-ISRI, we envision building a more resilient, productive, and sustainable sugarcane ecosystem in the region,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, Viswanathan highlighted the value of aligning institutional research with industry needs. “This collaboration marks a step forward in science-backed sugarcane development. By aligning our research capabilities with industry needs, we aim to promote climate-resilient practices and help farmers access the most effective agronomic solutions tailored to local conditions,” he said.

Under the MoU, ICAR-ISRI will provide technical expertise, nominate subject experts for training, lead joint field activities, and offer consultancy support as needed. The institute will also share relevant research findings and develop knowledge materials including manuals, videos, and mobile advisories. A key element of the program is the integration of digital advisory systems and decision-support tools to enhance real-time, location-specific recommendations for farmers.

Athar Shahab, Managing Director of Zuari Industries, noted that the partnership reflects a larger vision. “We believe this partnership is a part of a broader mandate, remaking industry and research institution collaborations to address actual world problems. The Cane Excellence Program speaks of our vision of innovative agriculture that is not only productive but also future-proofed, climate-resilient, and in line with our sustainable development goals,” he stated.

The initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in increasing the adoption of advanced cultivation and protection technologies, strengthening sugarcane mechanization, and boosting the economic viability of sugar mills. It also aims to significantly improve the livelihoods of sugarcane farmers through capacity building and assured support from both research and industry stakeholders.