Patna: In a move aimed at modernising Bihar’s sugarcane sector, the state’s Sugarcane Industry Department on Tuesday signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with IIT Patna and the Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, to promote research, innovation and technology-led solutions for farmers.
The agreements were signed during a ceremony held at Vikas Bhavan in Patna, where the state government also launched a digital sugarcane survey campaign and unveiled a new online portal designed to support sugarcane nurseries.
Officials said the partnerships are intended to improve productivity, encourage scientific cultivation practices and strengthen the long-term sustainability of Bihar’s sugarcane economy.
Government Focuses On Technology And Farmer Incomes
Addressing the gathering, Sugarcane Industry Minister Sanjay Kumar said the government was committed to revitalising sugarcane cultivation through the adoption of modern technologies and scientific interventions.
He said the objective was to make sugarcane farming more profitable, sustainable and technology-driven while equipping farmers with modern agricultural solutions.
The minister also inaugurated the Ganna Nursery Yojana portal, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), and formally launched a digital sugarcane survey campaign covering non-sugar mill areas of the state.
Officials said the digital initiatives would help improve data collection, planning and monitoring of sugarcane cultivation.
New Sugar Mills Could Boost Employment
Dharmendra Singh, Secretary of the Sugarcane Industry Department, said the state’s efforts to expand sugar industry infrastructure would create employment opportunities and contribute to rural economic growth.
He noted that the establishment of new sugar mills in Bihar could provide additional market opportunities for farmers while strengthening the state’s agro-industrial ecosystem.
Sugarcane Commissioner Anil Kumar Jha outlined the expected benefits of the agreements, saying the collaborations would support research, technology transfer and capacity-building initiatives within the sector.
IIT Patna Unveils AI-Based Sugarcane Initiative
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of IKSHU-AI (Intelligent Knowledge System for Sugarcane Using Hybrid Integrated Artificial Intelligence), an initiative developed by IIT Patna.
Professor T.N. Singh, Director of IIT Patna, explained the concept and potential applications of the AI-based platform, which is expected to support decision-making and improve efficiency in sugarcane cultivation.
The project is intended to harness artificial intelligence and data analytics to address challenges faced by farmers and policymakers in the sector.
Representatives from the Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, also shared insights into advanced sugarcane research and breeding technologies that could help improve crop productivity and resilience.
Research Partnership Aims To Strengthen Sector
Officials said the collaboration with the Sugarcane Breeding Institute would facilitate access to improved varieties, scientific expertise and advanced cultivation practices.
The institute is one of India’s leading centres for sugarcane research and is expected to play a key role in supporting Bihar’s efforts to enhance productivity and adapt to changing agricultural conditions.
The event was attended by senior officials and researchers, including Dr Asif Ekbal, Dr Satendra Kumar and Deputy Registrar Vijay Kumar of IIT Patna, along with representatives of the Sugarcane Industry Department.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Joint Sugarcane Commissioner Vedvrat Kumar.
The agreements come as Bihar seeks to revive its historic sugar industry and leverage technology, research and innovation to improve farmer incomes and strengthen the state’s agricultural economy.
