{
  "id": 779759,
  "title": "ISMA partners with ICAR’s sugarcane research centre to set up seed production centre",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/isma-partners-with-icars-sugarcane-research-centre-to-set-up-seed",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-13T15:35:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindu BusinessLine",
    "slug": "hindu-businessline",
    "url": "https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/isma-partners-with-icars-sugarcane-research-centre-to-set-up-seed-production-centre/article71341731.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and ICAR–Indian Sugarcane Research Institute (ICAR-ISRI) in Lucknow have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an Advanced Centre for quality sugarcane seed production. This centre, located at ISRI’s campus in Lucknow, will be set up with an estimated investment of ₹80 crore, shared equally by both parties. The primary aim of this facility is to strengthen the quality sugarcane seed ecosystem by producing disease-free, genetically pure, and high-yielding sugarcane seed. This initiative aims to replace pest/insect-prone varieties with better ones, providing farmers with technical and scientific support. The centre will also offer seed quality monitoring, field performance assessment, and training for cane development personnel. This collaboration is expected to improve cane productivity, enhance sugar recovery, and ultimately boost farm income. The Agriculture Ministry has already implemented a system of traceability via the Seed Net portal, where QR codes linked to seed lots provide details about their variety.",
  "summary": "The proposed Centre, to be set up with an estimated investment of about ₹80 crore on a 50:50 sharing basis at ISRI’s Lucknow campus, will serve as a dedicated hub for strengthening the quality sugarcane seed ecosystem",
  "key_points": [
    "ISMA and ICAR-ISRI sign MoU for advanced sugarcane seed production center",
    "₹80 crore investment to be shared equally by both parties",
    "Center aims to produce disease-free, high-yielding sugarcane seeds"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}