Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh farmers have shown strong demand for CoS.23232, a new sugarcane variety developed for early maturity, higher cane weight and improved sugar content. The Uttar Pradesh Council of Sugarcane Research (UPCSR) opened online bookings on October 9, but all two lakh available buds were booked within just five minutes.
CoS.23232 May Offer an Alternative to Co.0238
Developed through a cross between CoS.8119 from northern India and Co.775 from southern India, CoS.23232 underwent around 10 years of evaluation before its release. It is being considered as a potential alternative to Co.0238, a widely cultivated sugarcane variety in Uttar Pradesh.
Dr Arvind Kumar, a senior scientist in UPCSR’s breeding division, said the initial stock was exhausted within minutes, leaving many farmers unable to secure planting material.
Higher Cane Weight and Sugar Content
According to Dr Sanjeev Kumar Pathak, the council’s dissemination officer, CoS.23232 was developed for early harvesting and produces approximately 10 per cent more cane weight per quintal than other varieties. Its canes are also longer and thicker, with higher sugar content.
Developing a new sugarcane variety generally takes 10–12 years. The breeding process begins in Coimbatore, where suitable climatic conditions support early development, followed by assessments of yield and sugar content. CoS.23232 has currently been approved for cultivation in Uttar Pradesh.
UPCSR Plans to Expand Planting Material
To meet rising demand, UPCSR is expanding the availability of planting material through single-bud propagation and tissue-culture techniques. The council also plans to distribute mini seed kits at a farmers’ fair scheduled for October.
The rapid booking response highlights farmers’ interest in varieties that promise better productivity and sugar recovery. Wider availability of CoS.23232 will be important if more growers are to access the new variety in upcoming planting seasons.
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