20 October 2022, New Delhi: Four-day International Conference- SUGARCON 2022 on “Sustainability of Sugar and Integrated Industries: Issues and Initiatives”, jointly organized by ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow; Society for Sugar Research and Promotion (SSRP) and Association of Professionals in Sugar and Integrated Industries (ISPSIT) at Lucknow was inaugurated on 16th October 2022.
Dr. T.R. Sharma, DDG (CS), ICAR New Delhi, the Chief Guest, described sugarcane as a major contributor to the Indian economy and congratulated all the delegates on the World Food Day and urged the Scientists for development of climate – resilient, nutrient and water efficient varieties, value added products and development of new products from sugarcane juice, jaggery, molasses, ethanol and others as essential component of secondary agriculture. Dr. Sharma also encouraged sugar industry to participate in research in PPP mode by providing financial assistance to sugarcane research institutes. The DDG accentuated to develop new products through genome editing in sugarcane and releasing them after addressing the bio-safety issues.
Dr. R.K. Singh, ADG (CC), ICAR expressed concern over coverage of more than 50% of the global cane area by only 10 varieties of sugarcane and said that in India also, more than 70% cane area is under two varieties namely Co 0238 and Co 86023.
At the outset, Dr. A.D. Pathak, Director, IISR briefed about the recent achievements of the Institute.
Dr. Sushil Solomon, Patron of the International Conference and former VC of CSAUA&T, Kanpur spoke on the theme of the conference and constraints being faced by sugar industry.
The Organizing Secretary of the Conference, Dr. A.K. Sah, Principal Scientist presented in detail about structure, objectives and activities of the conference.
Dr. G.P. Rao, Convener of the Conference discussed the achievements of SSRP. On this occasion,
On this occasion, Scientists, officials associated with the sugar industry and sugarcane farmers were also awarded for their remarkable contributions.
The Dignitaries also released publication on the occasion.
A Sugar Expo was organized in which more than 40 manufacturers, suppliers, service providers displayed sugarcane harvesters, neem based urea, liquid phosphorus, organic fertilizers, organic jaggery, vinegar and various other products. About 300 students and other visitors visited SugarExpo.
More than 300 delegates from India and 30 delegates from foreign countries participated in the Conference.
About 300 farmers from Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur and Lucknow districts of Uttar Pradesh participated in a Scientist– Farmer Interaction.
The valedictory session was organized on October 19, 2022 and was chaired by Shri S.C. Deshmukh, Advisor, Vasantdada Sugar Institute, Pune.
The major recommendations emerged out of deliberations was presented.
