ICAR–SBI Celebrates its 114th Foundation Day

23 October 2025, Coimbatore

ICAR–Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, celebrated its 114th Foundation Day today.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Chairman, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, New Delhi, presented the Foundation Day Certificates of Appreciation and released the Institute’s new publications.

Delivering the Foundation Day address, Dr. Kumar commended the Institute for sustaining its legacy for over a century, stating that more than 80% of India’s sugarcane area is cultivated with the Institute’s “Co” varieties. Drawing parallels with CSIR’s Aroma Mission, which harnessed the potential of the wild marigold (Tagetes minuta), he encouraged sugarcane scientists to turn emerging challenges into growth opportunities.

He also urged researchers to explore the highly active circadian rhythm and biological clock in sugarcane to develop superior varieties. Highlighting future prospects, he emphasized that bio plastics, bio energy, and the broader bio economy will significantly contribute to India’s GDP, and the Institute must gear up for this evolving landscape.

Dr. Raman Thangavelu, Director, National Research Institute for Integrated Pest Management, New Delhi, underlined the Institute’s major impact on sugarcane varietal improvement nationwide. He identified challenges such as high harvesting costs, low ratoon yields, and pest & disease attacks that are reducing sugarcane acreage in Tamil Nadu, stressing the need for timely interventions.

In his Presidential address, Dr. P. Govindaraj, Director, ICAR–SBI, reflected on the Institute’s lasting contributions. He noted that in the previous year, the Institute released a mid late maturing variety, Co 17018, for the Northwest Zone, completed 400 crosses in its National Hybridization Garden, and supplied 3,000 tonnes of quality seed material to farmers across the country.

The celebration saw the participation of over 300 attendees, including serving and retired staff of ICAR–SBI.

(Source: ICAR–Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore)