SugarIndustry
Services
ImportantLinks
SiteMap
Introduction
The Sugarcane Research Institute (SRI) of Sri Lanka was established in terms of the Sugarcane Research Institute Act No. 75 of 1981 under the Ministry of agricultural development and Research to conduct research on sugarcane cultivation and processing. Though the act was certified on 29th December 1981, the institute commenced its activities on 1st January 1984. Presently the institute is under the preview of Plantation Ministry.
Before the establishment of SRI, research activities on sugarcane was handled by the research and Development Division of the Sri Lanka Sugar Corporation (SLSC). In fact the SRI was borne out of the Research and Development Division of the SLSC and almost all scientific and technical staff formed the initial work force of the institution.
The institute originally financed partly by a government grant and cess levied on locally produced sugar. However, due to the extension of the sugar industry in 1980s and the change in the cultivation system from estate plantations to small-holder system, the development of technologies to sugar companies was heavy and the institute could no longer cater to the needs of the industry satisfactorily without expanding its activities. With a view to finance the institute adequately to cater to the needs, the government empowered the institute to generate additional funds through an import cess which came in to effect in 1991.
The institute is managed by a Board of Governors which is headed by a chairman and the Director of the institute is the Chief Executive who is responsible for all research and administrative functions. The director is assisted by two Deputy Directors for research and administration & finance. Each research division is headed by a Principle Research Officer or Senior Research Officer who is responsible for all the functions of the division concerned.
While involving research in most important areas, the building up of the infrastructure and development of human resources for proper functioning of the institute have been continued during the last few years.
OBJECTIVES :
To conduct research on all aspects of cultivation of sugarcane and manufacturing of products there from.
GOAL:
The goal of the institute is to contribute to increase the productivity and profitability of the sugar industry in a sustainable manner through development and dissemination of sugarcane technologies.
Strategy :
The above goal is achieved by conducting a well-planned research program covering the areas given in the next section to generate technologies and by undertaking extension and training activities to transfer technologies and dissemination of information.
ACTIVITIES
The main activities of the institute are;
Sugarcane variety improvement
Improvement of sugarcane crop husbandry practices
Improvement of pest and disease management
Small-holder farm mechanization
Improvement of cane handling and processing
Improvement of processing of sugar industry by-products and diversification of the sugar industry
Technology transfer activities
DIVISIONS OF RESEARCH
In order to undertake research and extension activities there are 9 research divisions assisted by an Accounts and Administration divisions and a research farm. The reser4ach divisions are;
Breeding
Agronomy
Chemistry
Agricultural Engineering
Microbiology & By-products
Pest Management
Economics and Extension
Biometry and Data Processing
Each research division is involved in conducting research in the respective discipline of the above-mentioned priority areas and works in an interactive manner to achieve the Institute's goal.
CONTRIBUTION TO SUGAR INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
Though the industry was formally inaugurated in 1984, it suffered a severe set back due to shifting it from its original location at Kantale to Uda Walawe and subsequent civil disturbances in the new location. Even in these situations, SRI had been able to contribute some technological inputs to the development of the sugar industry.
The following are some of important highlights of achievements since its inception in 1984.
1. Systematic research institute which could give leadership to industry
During the last 10 years, institute has been able to set up a systematic programme of research to cater to the felt needs of the industry. By its appropriate research and development, it has been able to win the confidence of the industry and give leadership and assistance to it. SRI has become the common forum where industry issues are freely discussed by all concerned parties. Thus, during the last 10 years, institute has built up systematically its research strength, staff development and infrastructure development in order that it could now take the leadership for the industry development.
2. Germplasm collection of sugarcane
Sri Lanka now has over 800 clones of sugarcane value of which is over two million US dollars. At the inception it has less than 150 clones. It had collected germplasm both locally and abroad. India, Pakistan have already sought our germplasm and locally bred cane varieties.
3. Introduction of locally bred superior varieties
Sugarcane Research Institute introduced locally bred superior varieties such as SL 86-13 and SL 88-116 for commercial adoption. In addition steps have taken to popularise the variety SL 83-06, mainly due to its tolerance to the WLD (White Leaf Disease).
4. Bio-control of sugarcane leaf hopper
Leaf hopper pyrilla is a serious juice sucking pest of sugarcane. It had caused severe economic damage especially to the rainfed crop at Sevanagala in the recent past. This insect sucks sap from sugarcane leaves resulting in withering away of leaves at high infestation, as well as transmittance of disease. Pyrilla attack causes up to 36% reduction in sucrose content of juice and up to 50% in sugar recovery.
A bio-control agent, an insect wasp called Epiricania melanoleuca was introduced in to infested plantations from Pakistan after careful experimentation. This insect parasitoid attacks and kills sugarcane leaf hopper. Together with the other indigenous parasite of Pyrilla; Parachrysocharis javensis (previously known as Tetrastichus pyrillae), and pathogens Metarhizium anisopliae and Phasioliomyces lilicinus (the latter fungi species was isolated in Sri Lanka by the SRI for the first time) were encouraged to prolifer in these plantations. This effort by SRI at Sevanagala gave very encouraging results. It was observed that these have controlled as much as 90% of pyrilla population in the area. Thus the anticipated outbreak of pyrilla which peaks around July/August every year, did not occur after that.
5. Control of sugarcane diseases
Identification of White Leaf Disease (WLD) causal phytoplasma.
Recommendation of hot water treatment method to control WLD (54°C for 30 min)
Recommendation of a method to propogate disease free seed cane (Three stage nursery system)
6. Sugarcane based product diversification and By-products
Development of a method to produce natural vinegar from sugarcane juice
Development of a method to produce sugarcane juice based fruit drink
Development of a method to grow edible mushroom on sugarcane begasses
Development of a method to produce ruminant feed ration
7. Sugarcane intercropping
Number of intercrops such as cowpea, ground nut, mung beans, chillies, onions and potatoes have been successfully introduced as intercrops in to the sugarcane based farming system that is being advocated for the small holder farmer.
8. Sugarcane machinery and implements
Institute has embarked on a programme to design and manufacture sugarcane machinery and implements suitable for small holder sugarcane farmers. Following are some of the highlights in this programme.
Fertilizer applicator - This implement could be used to make an opening to apply fertilizer and cover it up in plant or ratoon crop.
Tine cultivator - With this implement it is possible to remove weeds in between the sugarcane rows.
Disc ratooner - This implement can be used with a two wheel tractor to open up furrows for planting cane.
Furrow opener - This implement can be used with a two wheel tractor to open up furrows for planting cane.