The sugar department in Uttar Pradesh is cultivating new and improved variety after the outbreak of red rot disease on planting CO-0238 variety in 2023-24 season. Many mills were closed earlier this year with lower availability of cane by the end of the season. Therefore, over 24,222 ha in Saharanpur and 40,000 ha in Bijnor has been reported so far to plant new varieties instead of 0238.