The stabilization of production and productivity of sugarcane is important in view of the rising internal consumption of sugar and its need for ensuring adequate exports. The prospect of sugarcane as a future renewable energy crop for ethanol production, due to its increasing use as a fuel blend in the automobile sector in addition to the cogeneration of electricity, has got the further boost. It is estimated that by 2030, Pakistan will require about 100 million tons of sugarcane. To meet this emerging challenge, proper planning and sustained efforts are needed for achieving the target in spite of the shrinking available resources. Keeping all this in mind, the Vision 2030 has been prepared outlining the strategic framework. While developing this document, the suggestions received from academia, renowned sugar technologist, scientists of sugarcane research institutes, Pakistan Sugar Mills Association, Pakistan Society of Sugar Technologists’ and members of SRDB have also been taken into account.
The SRDB Vision 2030 document presents key challenges and opportunities that will be faced by the sugarcane industry in Pakistan during the next thirteen years. The SWOT analysis conducted by SRDB for sugarcane sector helped developing an appropriate strategic framework and a road map to articulate role of the stake holders in shaping the future through research and development for vertical growth and equity in sugarcane agriculture.
