The sugarcane research station, Thiruvalla was established during year 1976 with the complete assistance from ICAR, under AICRP on sugarcane. The KAU strengthened the research efforts of this sta-tion during 1979 by providing more infrastructural facilities and man power. The research programmes in sugarcane were later strengthened research in vegetables was initiated by the funds provided by NARP phase II. At present the research is also supported by plan funds.

The lead function is research on sugarcane and verification function on vegetables. The AICRP Centre on sugarcane is functioning here.

• Three sugarcane hybrids - Madhuri, Thirumadhiram and Madhurima - were released from this Centre for cultivation.

• The Centre identified yield barriers of sugarcane in the areas.

• Agrotechniques for the cultivation of sugarcane were standardised and recommended.

• An appraisal on the major sugarcane diseases of Kerala was also done.

• The cultivar Co 7704 was identified as resistant to red rot and recommended for cultivation.

• The Centre also released a snake gourd variety - Kaumudi and a bitter gourd variety - Priyanka for cultivation.