Sugarcane is one of the most important commercial crops in India, serving as the backbone of the sugar industry. India is the second-largest producer of sugarcane in the world, after Brazil. The crop is extensively cultivated across states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Punjab. It is a vital raw material for producing sugar, jaggery, ethanol, and other by-products.
Sugarcane varieties in India are developed to suit diverse agro-climatic conditions, ensure high yield, sucrose content, disease resistance, and adaptability. Based on growing seasons, sugarcane varieties are classified as early, mid-late, and late varieties.
This article highlights more than 10 top sugarcane varieties in India, their characteristics, and regional suitability to help farmers maximize productivity.
1. Co 0238 (Karan 4)
Co 0238 is one of the most popular sugarcane varieties in India, known for its high yield and high sugar recovery rate.
- Release Year: 2012
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar
- Yield: 80–100 tons/ha
- Sucrose Content: 19–20%
- Characteristics:
- Early maturing variety (10–12 months)
- High sugar recovery percentage (up to 12–13%)
- Resistant to red rot and smut diseases
- Uses: Sugar production
2. Co 86032
Co 86032 is a high-yielding variety widely grown in tropical regions, particularly in South India.
- Release Year: 2000
- Regions: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
- Yield: 100–120 tons/ha
- Sucrose Content: 17–18%
- Characteristics:
- Early maturing variety (10–11 months)
- Resistant to drought and pests
- Excellent ratooning ability (multiple harvests from one crop)
- Uses: Sugar and jaggery production
3. Co 0239
Co 0239 is a popular mid-late variety, especially in North India, known for its high sugar recovery and yield.
- Release Year: 2014
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab
- Yield: 80–100 tons/ha
- Sucrose Content: 18–19%
- Characteristics:
- Tolerant to waterlogging
- Resistant to diseases like red rot and smut
- High millable cane production
- Uses: Sugar production
4. Co 0118
Co 0118 is an early maturing variety widely grown in subtropical regions for its high sucrose content and resistance to diseases.
- Release Year: 2011
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab
- Yield: 80–90 tons/ha
- Sucrose Content: 18–19%
- Characteristics:
- Early maturity (11–12 months)
- Resistant to red rot
- High sugar yield and improved quality
- Uses: Sugar production
5. Co 05011
Co 05011 is a promising variety grown in tropical climates for its excellent yield and ratooning ability.
- Release Year: 2014
- Regions: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
- Yield: 100–120 tons/ha
- Sucrose Content: 17–18%
- Characteristics:
- Mid-late maturing variety
- High tillering (multiple stems from one plant)
- Resistant to drought and pests
- Uses: Sugar and ethanol production
6. Co 62175
Co 62175 is an early maturing variety ideal for cultivation in water-scarce regions.
- Regions: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
- Yield: 70–90 tons/ha
- Sucrose Content: 17–18%
- Characteristics:
- Early harvest potential
- Tolerant to drought and pests
- Moderate ratooning ability
- Uses: Sugar and jaggery production
7. Co 94012
Co 94012 is a high-yielding mid-late variety that is adaptable to tropical and subtropical regions.
- Regions: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh
- Yield: 90–100 tons/ha
- Sucrose Content: 18–19%
- Characteristics:
- Resistant to lodging (falling over)
- Tolerant to red rot disease
- High juice extraction capacity
- Uses: Sugar production
8. Co Pant 97222
Co Pant 97222 is a subtropical variety known for its high sugar recovery and productivity.
- Regions: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana
- Yield: 75–90 tons/ha
- Sucrose Content: 18–19%
- Characteristics:
- Early to mid-late maturing variety
- High resistance to red rot and smut
- Uses: Sugar production
9. Co J 64
Co J 64 is an early maturing variety widely grown in North India for its good sugar recovery.
- Regions: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh
- Yield: 70–90 tons/ha
- Sucrose Content: 18–19%
- Characteristics:
- Suitable for both spring and autumn planting
- Resistant to red rot and drought conditions
- Uses: Sugar and jaggery production
10. Co 99004
Co 99004 is a promising tropical variety known for its high productivity and excellent ratooning ability.
- Regions: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra
- Yield: 90–110 tons/ha
- Sucrose Content: 18–19%
- Characteristics:
- High tillering and cane thickness
- Tolerant to pests and diseases
- Uses: Sugar production
FAQs
Q1: Which is the best high-yielding sugarcane variety in India?
A: Co 86032 and Co 0238 are the most popular high-yielding varieties with excellent sugar recovery.
Q2: Which sugarcane variety is best for subtropical regions?
A: Co 0118, Co 0238, and Co Pant 97222 are ideal for subtropical regions like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Q3: Which variety of sugarcane has the highest sucrose content?
A: Co 0238 and Co 0118 have high sucrose content, up to 20%, making them ideal for sugar production.
Q4: Which sugarcane variety is best for drought-prone areas?
A: Co 62175 and Co 86032 are drought-tolerant and well-suited for water-scarce regions.
Q5: How long does sugarcane take to mature?
A: Depending on the variety, sugarcane takes between 10 to 18 months to mature, with early maturing varieties like Co 0238 taking 10–12 months.
India’s diverse climate and innovative agricultural research have led to the development of high-yielding, disease-resistant sugarcane varieties. From the widely cultivated Co 0238 to tropical favorites like Co 86032, farmers now have access to varieties that ensure high productivity, quality, and profitability. With sugarcane playing a key role in India’s economy, adopting the right variety for specific regions can maximize yield and income.
