New Variety of Sugarcane Introduced in Pakistan

Pakistan’s agriculture sector may be on the verge of a significant breakthrough as a new sugarcane variety, developed through local research, promises higher yields and improved resilience against climate challenges.

Renowned agriculturist and business figure Jahangir Khan Tareen has introduced a new sugarcane variety, named J16-639, following years of research at the facilities of JDW Group.

The development is being viewed as a major step forward for Pakistan’s farming community, particularly for sugarcane growers seeking better productivity and stability.

The new variety, which originated from a 2016 breeding cycle, is currently being tested at the farm level and has already shown promising results, especially in parts of Punjab and Sindh.

Early reports suggest that the crop can deliver yields exceeding 1,100 maunds per acre, along with improved sugar recovery rates of up to 11.5 percent, making it more efficient compared to traditional sugarcane varieties.

What sets J16-639 apart is its climate-smart profile. The variety is said to be drought-tolerant and capable of performing well even in challenging soil conditions, a key advantage as farmers continue to face unpredictable weather patterns.

In addition, it has demonstrated resistance to major crop diseases such as red rot, whip smut, and white leaf disease, which have historically impacted sugarcane output across the country.

Field observations also highlight that the crop maintains strong structural stability, reducing the risk of lodging, while offering consistent ratoon performance, an important factor for farmers aiming to maximize returns across multiple harvest cycles.

Industry insiders believe the new variety could play a crucial role in boosting both farm-level productivity and sugar mill efficiency. It is expected to gradually enter commercial crushing cycles in major mills by 2027, once wider adoption begins.