Celebrating Bhogali Bihu: The Resurgence of Sugarcane Cultivation in Assam

As Bhogali Bihu approaches, the significance of jaggery in Assam's festivities is highlighted alongside the revival of sugarcane cultivation. Farmers are returning to sugarcane farming, driven by research initiatives and market demand. The historical context of gur production adds depth to this agricultural resurgence. With local farmers successfully producing gur and bottled sugarcane juice, the economic benefits are evident. Advocacy for a GI tag and the establishment of processing facilities could further enhance this sector. Discover how this revival is impacting communities and providing livelihoods in flood-prone areas.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 14:20 IST

Bhogali Bihu and Its Significance

Dergaon, Jan 13: The festival of Uruka, part of the Bhogali Bihu celebrations that mark the post-harvest season in Assam, is set to take place on Tuesday. A key ingredient in these festivities is jaggery, commonly referred to as gur.

Shift in Cultivation Practices

With the closure of the Baruabamun Gaon Sugar Mill, many farmers transitioned from sugarcane to tea farming due to the lack of a sustainable market for sugarcane. However, the Buralikson Sugarcane Research Station in Golaghat district is now encouraging farmers to return to sugarcane cultivation, leading to profitable outcomes for many.

Emerging Sugarcane Markets

In the Bhakat Chapori region of Majuli district, sugarcane farming is also on the rise, with the gur produced here gaining popularity throughout Upper Assam.

Historical Context of Gur Production

The gur from the Missamara area holds historical importance, as it is recorded that an Ahom king received supplies of gur for the construction of the Negheriting Siva Doul, leading to the area being known as Gurjogania.

Research and Development in Sugarcane

The All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Sugarcane, based at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research in Lucknow, has been pivotal in coordinating sugarcane research since 1970. This initiative includes a network of research stations, state agricultural universities, and various organizations, with the project commencing at the AAU Sugarcane, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Research Station in Buralikson in 1975.

Current Research Initiatives

In an interview, Dr. Tulsi Prasad Saikia, Chief Scientist at the AAU-SMAPRS, shared that the station is currently experimenting with eight different sugarcane varieties across six hectares. The gur produced here is increasingly popular, though it is not enough to satisfy the rising demand. The hybrid varieties being cultivated include Dhansiri, Nambar, Kolong, Kapilipar, Dayang, Borak, Lohit, and Daria, with a new variety, Kakodonga, nearing readiness for cultivation.

Supporting Local Farmers

Dr. Saikia mentioned that the station has been conducting motivational programs, resulting in several local farmers, such as Chandan Gogoi, Suman Gogoi, and Pankaj Bora from Daria, successfully producing gur and bottled pasteurized sugarcane juice, thus earning substantial profits.

Advocacy for GI Tag and Development

Dr. Saikia is advocating for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Missamara gur and is committed to pursuing this initiative. He emphasized the need for the government to adopt a mission-mode approach to enhance sugarcane cultivation and highlighted the potential benefits of low-cost automated gur-making machines to boost farmer participation.

Future Prospects

A proposal for establishing a semi-automatic jaggery plant at the station has been submitted to IOCL and NRL, with Dr. Saikia noting that the NRL biofuel project could be expedited through increased sugarcane farming.

Community Impact

In the flood-prone Bhakat Chapori area of Majuli district, sugarcane farming is now providing livelihoods for nearly 500 families. Raju Das, a local resident, reported that around 1,700 farmers in the district are currently engaged in sugarcane cultivation.

Conclusion

Sanjoy Kumar Hazarika