New Sugarcane Variety COLK 16202 Brings Relief to Farmers, Ends Red Rot Worries

Key Highlights

• Fully resistant to red rot disease.

• Higher yield than Co 0238.

• Early maturity in 8–10 months.

• Better ratoon crop performance.

• Lower cost, higher farmer income.

Sugarcane farmers have received a big relief as scientists have developed a new and powerful sugarcane variety that is completely resistant to red rot disease. The new variety, COLK 16202, promises higher yields, early maturity, and better income for farmers. It is expected to replace the widely used but now disease-affected Co 0238 variety.

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Why a New Sugarcane Variety Was Needed

For many years, Co 0238 was the most trusted sugarcane variety among farmers. However, in recent times, this variety has been badly affected by red rot disease. Due to this disease, standing sugarcane crops started rotting in the fields, leading to heavy losses for farmers.

Understanding the seriousness of the problem, scientists began working on a stronger and disease-resistant alternative. After years of research and testing, they successfully developed COLK 16202, a variety that offers complete protection against red rot and better overall performance.

Years of Research Behind COLK 16202

The new sugarcane variety was not launched in a hurry. Research and trials started in 2016, and the variety was tested for several years under different conditions. Trials were conducted in multiple districts, various soil types, and even in sugar mill fields to check its real performance.

Only after meeting all quality and yield standards, COLK 16202 was approved. In 2024, both the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh approved its commercial cultivation. Farmers can now grow this certified variety with full confidence.

Developed for Uttar Pradesh’s Climate and Soil

COLK 16202, also known as Ikshu 16, has been developed by the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (IISR), Lucknow. It has been specially designed keeping in mind the soil and climatic conditions of Uttar Pradesh.

This variety was developed from a male cross between LG 95053 and Kolkh 94184. According to scientists, COLK 16202 is now fully ready to replace Co 0238 across the state.

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Early Maturing Variety Means More Profit

One of the biggest advantages of COLK 16202 is that it is an early-maturing sugarcane variety. While normal sugarcane takes a long time to mature, this variety becomes ready in just 8 to 10 months.

It develops more than 18% sugar content in a short time, which helps sugar mills get high-quality cane early in the crushing season. Early harvesting also allows farmers to clear their fields sooner and sow Rabi crops like wheat, giving them a chance to earn extra income and move towards double cropping.

Higher Yield Than Co 0238

Government trials have clearly shown that COLK 16202 gives better yield compared to Co 0238.

• COLK 16202 average yield: 93.22 tonnes per hectare

• Co 0238 average yield: 90.76 tonnes per hectare

This means farmers can get more production from the same land. Its ratoon crop performance is also much better, which further increases total sugarcane output.

In terms of sugar recovery, COLK 16202 has around 17.74% sugar content. Although this is slightly lower than Co 0238, the total sugar production per hectare reaches 11.43 tonnes due to higher cane weight. This is beneficial for both farmers and sugar mills.

Complete Protection from Red Rot Disease

Red rot disease has been one of the biggest threats to sugarcane farming. The good news is that COLK 16202 is completely resistant to red rot. Scientists have confirmed that even the most dangerous strains, CF-08 and CF-13, have no effect on this variety.

In addition, this variety is less prone to pests and other diseases, which reduces the need for pesticides. This lowers cultivation costs and increases net profit for farmers.

A New Hope for Sugarcane Farmers

With low disease risk, higher yield, early maturity, and better profitability, COLK 16202 is set to play a major role in increasing farmers’ income and strengthening the sugar industry. This new variety has emerged as a ray of hope for sugarcane farmers in Uttar Pradesh, offering a safer and more profitable future for sugarcane cultivation.

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CMV360 Says

The new sugarcane variety COLK 16202 brings major relief to farmers struggling with red rot disease. With complete disease resistance, early maturity, higher yield, and better ratoon performance, it offers more profit and lower risk. Developed specially for Uttar Pradesh, this variety supports early harvesting, better sugar recovery, and additional income through Rabi crops, making it a strong replacement for Co 0238.