Introduction
Established in 2014 as a grower- and miller-owned organization, the Sugarcane Research and Development Board (SRDB), Punjab, is a dedicated platform for research, development and adoption (RD&A) for Punjab’s sugarcane industry. SRDB is primarily funded through the statutory sugarcane levy paid equally by growers and millers.
SRDB connects government institutions, agricultural universities, research organizations, sugar mills and industry partners to improve sugarcane productivity, crop quality and sugar recovery through modern technologies, scientific collaboration and practical technology transfer.
Chairman Message
The stabilization of sugarcane production and productivity is now a core imperative for national strategic economic security, driven by the dual pressures of rising domestic consumption and the need for consistent export surpluses. Without a reliable production base, the sector remains vulnerable to market volatility, threatening both the long-term viability of milling operations and the stability of consumer pricing.
CEO Message
Our vision is to sustain strengths and find weaknesses in supply chain of sugarcane from growers to industry and sugar to end consumers. Sugarcane occupying an important position in agrarian economy of Pakistan, is amongst the most efficient flora of agriculture world. Pakistan sugar industry can no longer afford the luxury of doing little research and development work relatively in relation to its size.
CEO Profile
Dr. Shahid Afghan is the Acting CEO of the Sugarcane Research & Development Board (SRDB). He has 30 years of experience in sugarcane plant improvement, teaching, and administration. Dr. Afghan is an HEC-approved PhD supervisor and Editor-in-Chief of the Pakistan Sugar Journal; he has completed national and international research projects on sugarcane with WWF-Pakistan.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Our Vision
To transform Pakistan’s sugarcane sector into a productive, competitive, technology-driven, and sustainable industry through scientific research, innovation, institutional collaboration, and international cooperation.
Our Mission
To promote high-quality, demand-driven research and development, facilitate the development and introduction of improved sugarcane varieties, enhance cane yield and sugar recovery, strengthen technology transfer, and establish effective linkages between research institutions and the sugar industry.
Research and Development Activities
SRDB supports multidisciplinary research in sugarcane breeding, crop improvement, biotechnology, disease management, mechanization and cane quality. Scientific workshops, training and field demonstrations help turn research into practical improvements for growers and mills.