Vasantdada Sugar Institute is one of the recognized centres under All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on sugarcane since 1986. Under the project various sugarcane varieties are tested for determining their suitability for growing them in various agro-climatic zones. Taking into consideration the suitability of the released sugarcane varieties, sugar factories in Maharashtra are provided with the planting and harvesting programme for achieving maximum returns. This section is engaged in collection and maintenance of sugarcane germplasm, development of elite sugarcane varieties through hybridization and undertaking field performance trials under AICRP programme of the selected promising genotypes.

Section has also undertaken the studies on the flowering behaviour of sugarcane varieties at various locations in Maharashtra and has identified Amboli, Dist. Sindhudurg as a suitable place for establishing a Sugarcane Breeding Centre.