Sugarcane white leaf disease (SCWLD), caused by sugarcane white leaf phytoplasma, poses a critical threat to sugarcane production in Southeast Asia, leading to substantial yield losses. SCWLD, first reported in Thailand in 1954, manifests as cream-colored leaf streaks and stunted growth, primarily transmitted by the leafhopper Matsumuratettix hiroglyphicus. Disease management relies on developing resistant cultivars through breeding, yet the sugarcane complex polyploid genome, mixed infections, and variability in pathogen and vector strains present challenges. Wild relatives, including Saccharum spontaneum and Erianthus spp., offer potential resistance traits supported by germplasm collections. Integrating resistance breeding with IPM strategies and healthy planting materials is essential for effective management. This book chapter delves into the detailed study of developing resistant sugarcane cultivars, exploring current research efforts, obstacles faced in breeding programs, and potential strategies for overcoming these challenges to ensure sustainable sugarcane production in India.