Archive · 28 Sep 2026
ICAR-SBI Trains Tribal Farmers in Improved Sugarcane Technologies
ICAR-SBI held special classes for tribal farmers who grow sugarcane in Sittilingi Valley.
The farmers sell some of their sugarcane to nearby cooperative sugar mills.
The training was planned after scientists visited the valley and learned about the farmers’ problems.
They learned ways to manage drought, pests and crop diseases.
They also learned about using machines and better farming methods.
The farmers visited research fields to see improved sugarcane varieties.
Scientists demonstrated a device that treats sugarcane planting material before it is planted.
The Co 21003 variety was provided to a cooperative mill so it can be multiplied and shared with more farmers.
ICAR-SBI conducted a training programme for tribal sugarcane farmers from Sittilingi Valley in Dharmapuri district.
The programme was organised under the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribe Component project.
Training addressed drought management, white grub control, mechanisation, pests and diseases.
Farmers observed improved sugarcane varieties, crop practices, machinery and a sett-treatment device.
Co 21003 seed material was given to Subramaniya Siva Co-operative Sugar Mills for multiplication and distribution.
- Who
- ICAR–Sugarcane Breeding Institute trained tribal sugarcane growers from Sittilingi Valley, with participation from its scientists and Subramaniya Siva Co-operative Sugar Mills.
- What
- A training programme on improved sugarcane technologies was conducted, and Co 21003 seed material was handed over for multiplication and distribution.
- When
- ICAR-SBI visited the valley in April and conducted the training in two phases in September; the year was not stated.
- Where
- The training was held in Coimbatore for farmers from Sittilingi Valley in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The programme aimed to improve productivity and address local challenges including drought, white grubs, pests, diseases and mechanisation.
- Organiser
- ICAR–Sugarcane Breeding Institute
- Beneficiaries
- Tribal sugarcane growers from settlements in Sittilingi Valley
- Project
- Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribe Component project
- Training location
- Coimbatore
- Key topics
- Drought management, white grub control and appropriate mechanisation
- Variety supplied
- Co 21003, a newly released high-yielding mid-late variety
- Receiving institution
- Subramaniya Siva Co-operative Sugar Mills, Dharmapuri