Our Establishment & Purpose
Shakarganj funds advanced research in sugarcane technology through the Shakarganj Sugar Research Institute (SSRI). This institute is the first of its kind private sector initiative in Pakistan, established on July 13, 1983.
The main objective of the institute is to develop new cane varieties capable of producing sugar and other products of economic importance at a lower cost than could be attained from existing commercial varieties. Development of new varieties by the institute with best management practices has increased crop productivity by about 10 percent for Shakarganj cane growers.
Proprietary Breeding & Bio-Control Systems
We have successfully bred a number of proprietary sugarcane varieties which increase the yield for our farmers and improve the sugar recovery content of the produce. At the same time, low-cost, efficient, and environment-friendly biocontrol systems for pests of sugarcane crops are also made available by the institute.
"All research results, varietal benefits, and biocontrol systems developed at SSRI are open and available to agricultural stakeholders across Pakistan without cost as a national service."
Key Pillars of SSRI Research
Varietal Breeding
Developing high sugar recovery, disease-resistant varieties adapted to local climate and soil conditions.
Biological Control
Rearing natural insect predators (*Trichogramma chilonis* and *Chrysoperla carnea*) for chemical-free pest management.
Soil & Water Advisory
Free soil testing and fertigation advice for over 25,000 regional growers to optimize fertilizer efficiency.
Tissue Culture
Micropropagation of disease-free seed clones (Meristem culture) at commercial scale for rapid variety dissemination.