Pune: The Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) has developed two new high-yielding sugarcane varieties that are expected to be released for commercial cultivation in Maharashtra over the next two years, marking the culmination of nearly 15 years of research.
The two varieties, VSI 21121 and VSI 25121, were developed at the institute’s Amboli research station, where more than 1,459 sugarcane germplasm lines are conserved. According to a report published in Pudhari, VSI 21121 is expected to be available to farmers in 2027, while VSI 25121 is likely to be released in 2028.
The institute said the new varieties have demonstrated higher yield potential than many existing cultivars. Field trials showed VSI 21121 produced 143.72 tonnes of cane per hectare, while VSI 25121 recorded a yield of 145.89 tonnes per hectare.
Chief scientist Dr Ashok Kadlag said the two varieties will be presented for approval at the Joint Agresco meeting of Maharashtra’s four agricultural universities, scheduled for September 2026 under the chairmanship of State Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane. The varieties will be released to farmers after receiving recommendations from the committee.
Dr Kadlag said the new cultivars are expected to outperform the widely cultivated Co 86032 variety in terms of productivity and returns to farmers.
VSI Vice-Chairman Dilip Walse-Patil said the two varieties combine high productivity with superior quality and are expected to contribute significantly to improving sugarcane yields in Maharashtra. He added that the institute has focused on developing varieties suited to the state’s agro-climatic conditions.
The institute attributed the development of the new varieties to long-term research carried out under the guidance of its Board of Trustees, chaired by Sharad Pawar, and with support from Director General Sambhaji Kadu-Patil. Once approved, the new varieties are expected to provide farmers with improved planting options as the sugar sector seeks to enhance productivity and profitability.