.jpeg)
Mr. Abdul Hakeem Ashiq J, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of E.I.D. Parry (India) Ltd for sugar and allied businesses, along with his team of agronomists and research scientists, recently visited the Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (CPMB) at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. The visit aimed to explore cutting-edge research and innovative techniques developed for sugarcane cultivation, sugar recovery processes, and the development of newer sugarcane varieties, with a special focus on disease resistance and tissue culture sugarcane.
The delegation was formally welcomed and briefed by Dr. N. Senthil, Director of CPMB & Biotechnology, who provided an overview of the center’s ongoing projects and research strengths. The visit was coordinated by Dr. E. Kokiladevi, Professor and Head of the Department of Plant Biotechnology, ensuring seamless interaction between the visitors and the research teams.
During the visit, the delegation was introduced to key projects led by Dr. A. Nakeeran, Professor in the Department of Plant Biotechnology. The COO and his team expressed deep appreciation for the center’s pioneering research and its potential to improve sugarcane yield, disease resistance, and quality.
The E.I.D. Parry team engaged in detailed discussions with scientists and at CPMB, focusing on the latest advancements in genetic improvement, sugar recovery technologies, and sustainable cultivation practices designed to enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
Recognizing the potential benefits of collaboration, the delegation showed keen interest in establishing a formal partnership with CPMB. Mr. Ashiq J emphasized the importance of industry-academia collaboration and expressed enthusiasm for joint initiatives, including student training programs, skill development workshops, and research collaborations aimed at developing commercially viable sugarcane varieties and improved cultivation technologies. Discussions also included plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize research cooperation.
Dr. N. Senthil welcomed the opportunity to work closely with E.I.D. Parry, highlighting that such partnerships are critical for translating research innovations into practical solutions that benefit farmers and the sugar industry at large. This visit marks a significant step towards strengthening ties between one of India’s leading sugar manufacturers and a premier agricultural biotechnology research institute. Both parties look forward to leveraging their expertise to drive innovation and sustainability in the sugarcane sector.