Syngenta Introduces Tropical Sugar Beet in India

Syngenta introduced a new sugar beet  variety for cultivation in tropical climatic conditions in India. The tropical  beet, which is expected to bring significant agronomic and environmental advantages, delivers output yield comparable to sugarcane and can be used both for processing sugar for food and conversion to ethanol. It is faster growing and allows farmers to grow a second crop on the same land, thus increasing agricultural output and raising farmer income. First harvests delivered the expected high yield of top-quality sugar and the fast growth of tropical beets increases the annual ethanol output over sugarcane.  

 "The Indian government is highly interested in Syngenta’s technological capabilities to support growth of India’s agricultural sector", said Sharad Pawar, India’s Minister for Food and Agriculture. "The successful introduction of sugar beet leads to higher sugar output in a shorter period and using less water. I am sure the Indian sugar industry will happily work together with Syngenta to further optimize the crop and introduce it to growers across the country." The company’s efforts to develop tropical sugar beet took over ten years and they are now set on exploring use of tropical beets in regions with poor soil conditions.

Read the Press Release at http://www.syngenta.com/en/media/press/2007/08-28.htm