CTC presents new technologies, aims to double sugarcane productivity by 2040

During a meeting on April 15, with investors, customers and shareholders, the Sugarcane Technology Center (CTC) presented new technologies  aimed at increasing productivity, operational efficiency and sustainability.

Based on three complementary fronts — Genetic Improvement, Biotechnology and the Seed Project — the CTC aims to double the productivity of Brazilian sugarcane fields by 2040, according to the company, ″Strengthening its role as a driver of competitiveness in national agribusiness″.

″We are at a strategic moment for the sector. The technologies we are presenting today demonstrate how science, data and scale can redefine sugarcane productivity, based on the energy transition. Each platform is a concrete delivery of our long-term vision, connecting innovation with value for producers and for Brazil″, says CTC CEO Cesar Barros.

FGV Study

During the meeting, the CTC presented an unprecedented study conducted by the Getúlio Vargas Foundation (FGV), which analyzed the potential for decarbonization of the Brazilian sugar-energy sector based on the adoption of new technologies developed by the CTC.

According to the study, the integrated implementation of solutions in genetic improvement, biotechnology and synthetic seeds has the potential to avoid the emission of 178.6 million tons of CO₂ per year by 2042 — an increase of 129% compared to the 2022 scenario. This is equivalent to 8% of Brazil's total emissions, or 50% of the annual emissions of a country like France.

Among the main factors driving this evolution are: the reduction in the carbon intensity of ethanol (from 22.2 gCO₂/MJ to 18.5 gCO₂/MJ), the more efficient use of inputs such as diesel (-18.2%) and nitrogen fertilizers (-19.4%), in addition to the increase in agricultural productivity without expanding      planted areas.

The study, according to the CTC, also highlights the economic potential of this transformation, with revenue generation from the sale of carbon credits (CBios), consolidating sugarcane as one of the main solutions for the global climate agenda.

″The FGV study proves, on a technical and economic basis, what we already see in the field: CTC technologies have real potential to transform agricultural productivity into concrete environmental gains. We are talking about avoiding almost 180 million tons of CO₂ per year by 2042 — a significant contribution to the climate goals of Brazil and the world. It is proof that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand, generating value for the producer, the country and the planet,″ says Barros.

CTC Advana: New Variety Series

The CTC genetic improvement area presented CTC Advana, a new series of sugarcane varieties developed with advanced genetic improvement techniques. Created to deliver gains of up to 16% in productivity compared to market references, the CTC Advana varieties also stand out for their high health, vigor and regional adaptability, as detailed by the technology center.

The first variety launched in the series is CTC Advana1, with its           upright shape, which facilitates harvesting, excellent tillering, a factor linked to productivity and longevity of the sugarcane field, high sugar content with harvesting recommended at the beginning of the season and was designed for highly productive environments.

″The CTC Advana series marks a new chapter in the genetic improvement of sugarcane. It is cutting-edge technology applied with scientific precision, ready to transform profitability in the field,″ highlights CTC’s research and development director      Sabrina Chabregas. ″In the comparative tests we conducted, the variety had a 95% victory against the main market standards, with performance up to 16% higher in tons of sugar per hectare,″ she explains.

CTC VerdPRO2: biotechnology platform

The biotechnology area presented CTCVerdPRO2, a platform that combines resistance to the sugarcane borer, a pest present in 100% of sugarcane fields and responsible for losses of up to R$8 billion per year, with tolerance to herbicides, offering integrated protection to sugarcane fields and promoting a transformation in agricultural management. The solution provides 24/7 security against pests, simplification in the application of pesticides and significant reduction in losses and costs.

With more than ten varieties under development, CTC VerdPRO2 ushers in a new era for the sector, with greater efficiency, sustainability and predictability in the field. The technology is the result of seven years of research and expands CTC's pioneering role in developing the first approved transgenic sugarcane in the world.

In addition to resistance to the borer, the future of biotechnology at CTC already points to the control of the weevil (Sphenophorus), a highly destructive pest that still lacks effective control methods. Research is at an advanced stage and is part of the company's ongoing innovation strategy.

″CTC VerdPRO2 is the integrated answer to the two largest      challenges of sugarcane protection. With it, the producer gains productivity, reduces complexity and contributes to more sustainable production″, says CTC’s marketing director, Suzeti Ferreira.

CTC Sementes: new planting system

The result of 11 years of research and R$1 billion in investments, the synthetic seed project is the new planting system developed by the company. Using synthetic sugarcane seeds, the innovation promises to accelerate the adoption of new technologies, free up production areas, increase operational efficiency and significantly reduce the carbon footprint.

According to the CTC, with the seed, the sector is moving towards the total mechanization of planting, operating with fewer machines, less diesel, greater scalability and more uniform and sanitary plantings. The construction of the demonstration production plant is underway, with operations expected to begin this year.

The technology, which is still in an advanced research and development phase, has strategic partnerships with companies such as John Deere, Marchesan, Double TT and Civemasa for the development of specific equipment for the new planting system.

″Synthetic seeds are a disruptive innovation. We are going to transform the sugarcane planting model into something simpler, faster and more scalable. This brings us closer to a new logic of agricultural production in the country,″ noted CTC’s Seed R&D Director      Suleiman Hassuani.