<b>Letters:</b> Saving water

With reference to Surinder Sud’s column, “Growing sugar cane economically” (April 11), while the solution suggested could be adopted, the attitude towards genetically modified (GM) sugar cane also needs to change.  

Acceptance of GM sugar cane will usher in a new era, similar to the introduction of Bt Cotton. In addition, there should be focus on the cultivation of sugar cane varieties requiring less water and which are drought resistant/tolerant.

The other factor is preventing water loss through evaporation from the soil surface by trash mulching. The water requirement can also be reduced by laser levelling the field. However, the best way to save water while growing sugar cane is through drip irrigation — it saves 30 per cent of water.

Sushil Bakliwal   Jaipur

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