Indian Sugar News

Pending cane arrears: Sugar mills to face strict action

Meerut: Sugar season 2019-2020 is round the corner, but mills have yet not cleared the cane dues in Uttar Pradesh, therefore now the administration is in action mode against the sugar mills.

Meerut District Magistrate Anil Dhingra has warned the sugar mills to pay pending arrears before Diwali or else to face action. He was speaking at a program on the eve of Kisan Diwas. Addressing the gathering, Dhingra ordered Mawana sugar mill to Rs 30 crore and Kinauni mill to pay Rs 40 crore to cane growers. He assured farmers that action would be taken against the mills if they fail to pay.

Also, sugar mills flouted the deadline of October 15 set by Allahabad High Court, which had directed to clear the cane dues with 15 per cent interest on it within a month

Deadline ends: Uttar Pradesh yet to clear sugarcane dues

Lucknow: October 15 deadline set by Allahabad High Court comes to an end, but still sugar mills in the Uttar Pradesh (UP), major sugar-producing state, have not cleared the sugarcane arrears.

Earlier, by giving a big relief to cane growers, the Allahabad High Court had directed the Uttar Pradesh government to clear the cane dues with 15 per cent interest on it within a month. The court had issued the order after hearing a petition filed by farmers from Uttar Pradesh.

According to the reports, sugar mills in UP owe around Rs 4,500 crore to sugarcane farmers in spite of multiple warning from the state government. Cane dues in the state are getting cleared at a snail pace, therefore UP Chief Minister CM Yogi Adityanath has served another deadline of October 31 for mills to clear the cane arrears. Keeping in view the delay in the payment clearing process, the CM has strictly instructed the officials that all the dues of cane growers should be paid by October end.

The rule mandates that FRP amount should be deposited to the cane growers bank accounts within 14 days after the sugarcane harvest is handed over to the mills’ owners, but they failed to do so. Sugar mills claim low sugar prices and poor financial condition as a reason in delay in clearing the cane dues.

Workers campaign for sugar millers despite pending salaries

Kolhapur: Despite pending salaries, the employees working at the sugar mills are at the forefront in the election campaign to support the director or president of the sugar mills, who are contesting the assembly polls.

The politics in Maharashtra revolve around the sugar industry, and the mills are facing financial scarcity from the last two years due to sugar glut and low sugar prices. Some mills have not yet paid FRP to farmers, and salaries of mill workers. Sugarcane farmers are the major vote banks, therefore mills will leave no stone unturned to woo them by clearing their dues. Whereas, mills workers never become the centre of attention of anyone, and they are left with no option but to campaign for the candidates associated with the mills.

Avinash Apate, representative of state sugar labour organisation representative said, “As the economic woes of sugar factories have worsened, the salaries of more than 50 thousand workers in 60 to 70 factories is pending for the last several months. We had organised a rally at Sugar commissioner office in Pune, but nothing has happened since then. We will launch our agitation after Diwali for our demands.”

Tamil Nadu: Sugarcane farmers to get Rs 123 crore cane dues

Chennai: In a good news for sugarcane farmers in Tamil Nadu, they are likely to receive cane dues. Tamil Nadu Sugarcane Farmers Association on Friday said that officials have agreed to release cane dues of Rs 123 crore for 2018-19 season. Also in this regard, an order was issued by the government.

General secretary of Tamil Nadu Sugarcane Farmers Association, T. Ravindran said, “The cane dues would be released from October 21.”

Due to various reasons, Tamil Nadu sugar industry is in deep crisis, and they are awaiting financial assistance to come on track. Sugar producers from the state have requested a relief package to come out of this grim situation. Drought in the state has impacted the sugarcane production. The cane shortage has affected the mills as many were forced to shut it. Drought impact is likely to persist in season 2019-2020 too.

Association asked the mills to bear the interest to be paid by cane growers to the banks since payments have been delayed by 20 months.

UP millers demand subsidy on sugarcane

New Delhi: Sugar millers from Uttar Pradesh are gearing to commence the crushing season 2019-2020. But still, the cane dues of season 2018-2019 have not been cleared yet. Millers in the state claim due to excessive sugar production and depressed sugar prices, they failed to accumulate money and pay the arrears to the cane growers. Therefore, as per media reports, they have asked the state government to provide a subsidy of Rs 30 on per quintal sugarcane.

The sugar mills in the state still owe more than 4,5000 crore rupees to sugarcane farmers. As millers are under pressure to clear the cane arrears, private mills have requested the state government to settle the power dues around Rs 1,000 crore so that they can pay the pending arrears.

Sugarcane arrears in Uttar Pradesh are getting cleared at a snail pace; therefore CM Yogi Adityanath had served October 31 deadline to all mills for clearing the cane arrears.

Sugar mill workers protest over Diwali bonus

Shamali: The workers of Bajaj sugar mill created a ruckus in the mill premises, accusing the mill administration of exploiting and reducing the Diwali bonus. After the assurance from mill unit head, workers called off their protest. Meanwhile, the work in the mill was halted for two hours.

The farmers are already agitating for their pending dues. The workers allege that the other mills usually give bonus of Rs 16800 during Diwali. But mill had paid Rs 7000 as a bonus in last two years claiming the loss. Workers learnt that this year too mill will give Rs 7000 as a bonus in two installments, following which they launched protest against the mill.

Sugarcane farmers to benefit by improved system of roads

The directions given by Hon’ble Chief minister, Yogi Adityanath were followed in letter and spirit by cane department and to maintain absolute transparency and create healthy competition in construction works of Sugarcane Development Department, it has been decided to provide the opportunity to participate in E-Tendering, for all the contractors registered in any State and Central Govt. department. The participation of contractors from the department other then Cane development & P.W.D- gave rise to healthy competition and ensured bidding in tenders at lowest possible rates. This also ensured the completion of construction works in minimum possible amount.

It is noteworthy, that this year E-Tendering systems has been implemented in Cane Development Department, previously contractors registered with Cane Department & P.W.D. were authorized to participate in the tenders. Complaints were being received, about adoption of mal-practices in registration of contractors in the department and a healthy competition was unlikely from the limited no of the contractors. With a view to maintain absolute transparency and create healthy competition in bidding it has been decided that all the contractors registered in any department of the State and Central Govt., will be eligible in equivalent category for bidding in E-Tenders floated for construction works by Cane Development Department.

Giving this information Commissioner Cane & Sugar, Shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy said that in financial year 2017-18 a saving of Rs.25.05 Crore has been made in constructions work due to wide spread competition in various tenders invited for various constructions works in the State by Cane Development Department. This saving enabled the department to bear Rs 4.87 crore cost increase due to hike in bitumin prices,without demanding any additional budget from the state government and along with this construction/repairing of 109 additional roads of more than 117 kilometer length were also made from these savings. Likewise in financial year 2018-19 a saving of rupees 12.20 crore has been made due to wide spread competition in various tenders initiated for construction of roads the saving of rupees 12.20 crore has been made, which enabled the department for construction/ repairing of 54 additional road of more than 36 km length.

He said that this increased competition will improve the roads in many other sugarcane areas and will facilitate sugarcane growers in supplying their sugarcane to sugar mills.

Now you can sell old refrigerator, washing machine and AC to government

New Delhi: Modi government is planning to launch Steel Scrap Policy from next week in which one can sell his old refrigerator, AC and washing machine to the government to earn a profit.

According to media reports, scrappage centres will be built at many locations under this policy. People will be able to sell scrap by visiting these centres. All types of old steel will be included in this.

The government will provide incentives to the seller after selling scrap. Earlier government had included only vehicles in the scheme. The government is fixing the incentive and other rates and will soon float the scheme.

The police will boost the sale of new cars and will help to reel the automobile industry. This will also help in reducing the import of iron. In India, around 60 lakh tonne scrap steel is imported every year.

Demand to hike sugar MSP to Rs 3,600 per quintal

Nivruttinagar: Sugar mills claim they are finding it difficult to sell sugar at minimum selling price (MSP) of Rs 3,100 per quintal fixed by the central government. Therefore, mills have demanded to hike the MSP.

Satyashil Sherkar, chairman of Shri Vighnahar Cooperative Sugar Mill in Maharashtra, on Thursday, said, “The average production cost of sugar is Rs 3400 to Rs 3500 per quintal as against the sugar MSP of Rs 3,100 per quintal, and due to which mill is bearing looses. Considering the production cost of sugar, the government should hike sugar MSP to Rs 3,600 per quintal.”

Earlier also Sherkar had raised MSP issue. He alleged that the Central government’s decision of fixing MSP of sugar at Rs 31 per kg throughout India has benefitted a state like Uttar Pradesh. As a result, UP supplies sugar all over India, and Maharashtra mills faced sugar glut.

In the month of June this year, the National Co-operative Sugar Factories Federation (NCSFF) also demanded that MSP of sugar should be increased from the present level of Rs 3100 per quintal to help mills improve their financial condition.

Concerned over mounting cane arrears ahead of Lok Sabha polls, the Indian government on February 14, 2019, hiked the MSP of sugar by Rs 2 per kg to Rs 31 to help millers clear farmers’ dues.

Sugar mills across India, majorly in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, owe crores of rupees to sugarcane farmers. Millers in the country claim due to excessive sugar production and depressed sugar prices, they failed to accumulate money and pay the cane arrears to the cane growers.

Sugar mills in Karnataka to start cane crushing after Diwali

Bengaluru: Crop damage during recent floods will affect sugarcane production in Karnataka this year. C T Ravi, Sugar minister of state after meeting with Sugarcane Control Board said, “1.52 lakh hectares out of 5 lakh hectare sugarcane fields have been damaged due to floods. Some are partially and some fully damaged, which will impact sugarcane production.”

“We will allow sugar mills to commence cane crushing after Diwali. In the year 2018-19, 44.31 lakh tonne sugar was produced by crushing 410.65 lakh metric tonnes,” he said.

Flood has caused massive loss to the cane growers in Belagavi district. It is expected that, with the impact on sugarcane, it is likely to affect the sugar output in Karnataka.

Sugarcane farmers who are already stressed with pending sugarcane arrears are now in the state of shock and struggling to come back on a track after the flood. It has claimed not only lives but also caused damage to the properties, crops and others worth hundreds of crores.

MP Omraje Nimbalkar refutes sugar mill connection behind his attack case

Osmanabad: A local youth attacked Omraje Nimbalkar, Osmanabad MP with a knife during the election campaign at Naygaon Padli village in Kalamb assembly constituency on Wednesday. According to the cops, he escaped with injuries on hand as his watch took the impact of the blow.

So far, police have booked one youth in this connection. Speaking about the incident, Nimbalkar said, “When I was campaigning a youth came on the pretext of shaking my hand, and he suddenly took out a knife and attacked me. I tried to get hold of him, but he ran away from the spot.”

As per media reports, sugarcane dues from Terna sugar mill could be the reason behind the attack. However, Nimbalkar has refuted this reason. “I don’t owe a single penny to any of the stakeholders of the factory. I have mortgaged my property in the past to pay the dues,” he quoted by the Times of India.

Police are further investigating the case. Maharashtra will go for assembly poll on October 21, 2019, and the results would be declared on October 24.

Despite High Court order, sugar mills in Bijnor yet to clear cane dues

Bijnor: The deadline of October 15 set by Allahabad High Court to clear pending sugarcane dues ended, but still sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh are yet to pay the arrears.

Sugarcane farmers alleged mills in Bijnaur district owe Rs 230 crore to the cane growers despite the High Court order. The mills owe additional Rs 40 crore as interest on the amount.

Earlier, by giving a big relief to cane growers, the Allahabad High Court had directed the Uttar Pradesh government to clear the cane dues with 15 per cent interest on it within a month.

The rule mandates that FRP amount should be deposited to the farmers’ bank accounts within 14 days after the sugarcane harvest is handed over to the factory owners, but the mills failed to do so. Sugar mills citing depressed sugar prices and scarcity of money as a reason in delay in clearing the cane dues.

District Magistrate slams Iqbalpur sugar mill

Bhagwanpur: District Magistrate Dependra Chaudhary slammed the Iqbalpur sugar mill management for negligence. Due to pending documents, the loan amount of 72 crores was not deposited into the mill’s bank account. Due to which the payment for the outstanding cane dues has been delayed. DM has given instructions to complete the paperwork within seven days.

The arrears issue was discussed during the meeting at Chief Minister office on September 12 in Dehradun. In which it was decided to give a loan of Rs 72 crore to the mill management to pay the dues of the farmers. Of which 36 crore was to be given by Punjab National Bank and the remaining amount by State Cooperative Bank, but yet the loan amount has not been deposited into the bank account of the mill.

Farmers who gave sugarcane to Iqbalpur sugar mill are in big trouble. Despite agitation by the farmers many times, the mill failed to clear the cane dues. This has enraged the farmers, and they claim that both government and sugar mill is cheating them. Sugarcane farmers claim that their financial condition is worsening day-by-day as they have not received dues from mills. Farmers assert that they are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children.

After mill failed to pay arrears, the government started auctioning of the mill’s sugar but failed to attract the buyers due to stringent bidding rules.

Sugar mills’ cane yard becomes garbage dumping ground

Gaya: Residents are facing health problems as the Guraru based sugar mill’s cane yard has become the garbage dumping ground. Adding to their woes, the water from nearby nullah is mixing in it, and the area has become the breeding ground for mosquitoes.

During the tenure of Gita Devi, the former head of the Gudru Gram Panchayat, fogging machines were procured to protect against mosquitoes and DDT was regularly sprayed throughout the market area. However, after the end of Gita Devi’s tenure, the fogging machine is still untouched. Due to which there is no action for the effective prevention of mosquitoes in the market area.

Locals have demanded to make use of a fogging machine to spread DDT to eliminate the mosquitoes problem.

Karnataka tops the Innovation Index followed by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Delhi

NITI Aayog with Institute for Competitiveness as the knowledge partner released the India Innovation Index (III) 2019. Karnataka is the most innovative major state in India. Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Telangana, Haryana, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh form the remaining top ten major states respectively. The top ten major states are majorly concentrated in southern and western India. Sikkim and Delhi take the top spots among the north- eastern & hill states, and union territories/city states/small states respectively. Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh are the most efficient states in translating inputs into output.

The index was released in the presence of Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog; Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog; Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science; Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology and Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, AYUSH.

Dr. Rajiv Kumar expressed hope that “the India Innovation Index would create synergies between different stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem and India would shift to competitive good governance.” Amitabh Kant added that “India has a unique opportunity among its myriad challenges to become the innovation leader in the world.”

Maharashtra Assembly election: Over 44 sugar mills under BJP-Shiv Sena’s hold

Pune: Congress-NCP had ruled Maharashtra by keeping a hold on the sugar mills. With changing scenario, BJP-Shiv Sena has made inroads in the sugar bowl with clinching grip on more than 44 sugar mills from Congress-NCP hold. This has wrecked the opposition, and they will have to contest vigorously to manage majority seats.

BJP-Shiv Sena alliance has weekend the Congress-NCP by inducting the sugar barons on its side, and more are still have been flocking to the parties. In Kolhapur, sugar barons Sanjay Mandlik, Samarjit Ghatage, Chandradeep Narke, and Vinay Kore are with saffron parties, and now Dhananjay Mahadik has joined them. In Sangli, Prithviraj Deshmukh and Sanjay Patil are in the camp, and now Vaibhav Naikawadi has joined them. In Satara, Udayanraje Bhosale, Shivendraraje and Bhosle family have joined BJP.

In western Maharashtra, there are 119 sugar mills out of which 50 are private. Due to various reasons, many mills are not operational. Now 114 mills are in good condition, out of which 44 are having hold of leaders belonging to saffron parties.

Maharashtra will go for assembly poll on October 21, 2019, and the results would be declared on October 24.

Uttar Pradesh: Sugarcane farmers decide to fix cane price

Lucknow: For the first time, sugarcane farmers from Uttar Pradesh have decided to fix the sugarcane selling price on their own. The farmers under the banner of Rashtriya Kisan Majdoor Sanghatan will declare the sugarcane price at a Kisan panchayat after organizing a rally in Bilari, Moradabad v on October 19.

V M Singh, the leader of the Rashtriya Kisan Majdoor Sanghatan, said, “As per the rule, the SAP (State Advised Price) for sugarcane should be Rs 435 per quintal, one and half time of the cost of production, but the farmers are getting only Rs 324 per quintal. Therefore, we have decided to declare the sugarcane price on our own.”

Choudhari Jitendra Singh, one of the rally’s organiser alleged that sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh still owe Rs 4,519.19 crore to cane farmers. And the government is yet not taking action against them”.

Sugarcane farmers say that the cost of sugarcane production is increased; therefore, there is a need to hike cane price. Sugarcane arrears has remained a major issue in Uttar Pradesh. Following which cane growers are staging demonstration and have also intensified their protest. They claim that their financial condition is worsening day-by-day as they have not received dues from mills. Farmers assert that they are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children.

Government to revive ailing sugar mills in Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada: Few sugar mills in Andhra Pradesh were closed, and now it needs government boost for the revival. The government on October 15 has set up a three-member panel to revive the ailing cooperative sugar mills in the state. The panel is consist of experts. The expert committee will study each factory and prepare a roadmap for revival, restructuring and changes to be done as per requirement.

The government had earlier appointed a technical committee which has submitted its report. The scope of the committee was the assessment of the existing plant, machinery and sugarcane cultivation in its jurisdiction. Following the submission of the reports, the government has formulated an expert committee to suggest for the betterment of the ailing sugar mills.

According to the reports, the committee is formed in line with the state government’s decision that had issued Rs 100 crore in the 2019-20 budget.

The panel was permitted to visit the premises of sugar mills based in Anakapalle, Chittoor, Chennur (Kadapa), Renigunta, Kovuru (West Godavari), and Vemuru (Guntur).

Sugarcane farmers to agitate against Riga sugar mill

Sitamarhi: Sugarcane farmers have threatened to launch agitation against Riga sugar mill for their pending cane arrears. The sugar mill owes Rs 120 crore arrears of 40,000 farmers from the Sheohar district in Bihar.

The farmers have stated that they will not allow the mill administration to function if their dues are not paid immediately with interest on it. The farmers took this decision in a meeting organized in Riga on Tuesday.

The rule mandates that FRP amount should be deposited to the farmers’ bank accounts within 14 days after the sugarcane harvest is handed over to the factory owners, but the mill failed to do so. Sugar mill citing depressed sugar prices and scarcity of money as a reason in delay in clearing the cane dues.

Tamil Nadu sugar mills seek more time to repay loans

Chennai: Sugar mills from Tamil Nadu are reeling under financial crisis due to drought in the state and lack of functioning to full capacity to produce sugar. The poor performance of mills has increased the financial burden on them, and they are unable to repay their loans taken from the bank. Five mills from the state have requested banks to not to take strict actions to recover pending loans and give them some time to repay the loans.

Due to various reasons, Tamil Nadu sugar industry is in deep crisis, and they are awaiting financial assistance to come on track. Sugar producers from the state have requested a relief package to come out of this grim situation.

Recently, Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had assured Tamil Nadu sugar industry to revive when she met the representatives of the sugar sector in Chennai. She had promised to arrange a meeting with RBI and banks, where they can discuss and find a solution to uplift the sugar industry. The industry is hoping sops after assurance from Finance Minister.

Sugar mills workers stage demonstration over salary hike

Gonda: Workers associated with sugar mills have launched an agitation for their demand for wage hike from wage board and government. On Tuesday, workers under the banner of Purvanchal Sugar Mill Union and Uttar Pradesh Sugar Mill Mazdoor Sangharsh Samiti staged a demonstration in front of the office of Deputy Labor Commissioner to demand salary hike. Sugar mill workers’ organizations submitted their demands to the Deputy Labor Commissioner Office.

As per their demands, the workers are getting less salary and want the government to fix wages for them. They alleged the sugar mills are exploiting them by paying a much lower pay scale than the standard wage. Workers warn of big protest if their demands are not met.

Sugar mill officers held hostage

Purkaji: Sugarcane farmers in Uttar Pradesh are upset due to pending cane arrears and staging demonstration for the same. Recently, sugarcane farmers demonstrated under the banner of Bhartiya Kisan Sangh Sangathan at the Uttam Sugar Mill demanding payment of dues. The agitators held sugar mill officials hostage, who came to talk to the agitating sugarcane farmers.

On October 15, farmers from nearby villages reached the mill and raised slogans demanding payment of cane arrears. Upon getting the agitation information, the sugar mill GM Pushkar Mishra and DGM Syam Ansar paid a visit to the farmers. The cane growers were already angry with the pending arrears, and when the two officers reached there, they were made hostage by the farmers.

Sugarcane farmers allege that the mill administration did not pay the outstanding sugarcane in due time and deceived them. GM assured the agitating farmers in writing that their dues would be settled soon. Following which, they were released.

Mula sugar mill clears workers, sugarcane farmers pending dues

Ahmednagar: Sugarcane farmers and workers from Newasa taluka are happy as the Mula cooperative sugar mill has transferred around Rs 30 crore on their accounts ahead of the Diwali festival. This includes the interest on fixed deposits, workers’ bonus and salaries.

Mill workers are paid bonus every year before Diwali. This year, the Board of Directors has decided to pay 15 per cent amount as bonus. Around Rs 6 crore will be available to employees through bonus and monthly salary in their bank accounts.

Along with Diwali, sugar season 2019-2020 is round the corner, but few mills in Maharashtra are yet to clear the sugarcane dues. With the pending arrears, it seems this Diwali for cane growers will be faded.

Ten sugar millers from Solapur to contest assembly election

Solapur: Sugar sector plays a vital role in Maharashtra politics; therefore, ten millers associated with sugar mills in Solapur are contesting the Maharashtra assembly polls. These include four from NCP, three from Shiv Sena, two from BJP and one from Congress.

There is a straight fight between two millers in Pandharpur and Karmala. Surprisingly, none of the Mohite Patil family, which has a long-standing relationship with sugar mills, is contesting this time.

Rashmi Bagal of Karmala has joined Shiv Sena leaving NCP and has a hold on two sugar mills. Both are in bad condition. Against Bagal, NCP has fielded Sanjay Shinde who owns a private sugar mill in Madha taluka. In Pandharpur constituency, candidates Sudhakara Paricharak of BJP and Bharat Bhalake of NCP own sugar mills and both are pitted against each other.

In Barshi, Shiv Sena’s Dilip Sopal is associated with an Aryan sugar mill, which is not operational now and his opponent BJP’s Rajendra Raut does not have sugar mill but owns a milk processing project. BJP’s Subhash Deshmukh contesting on Solapur South constituency owns two mills. Akkalkot’s Congress candidate Siddharam Mhetere owns a private sugar mill.

NCP candidate from Madha, Babanrao Shinde’s family owns five sugar mills. Shiv Sena’s Dilip Mane contesting from Solapur centre constituency has two mills, and Uttam Jankar contesting from Malshiras on NCP ticket owns one sugar mill.

Many sugar mills have pending bills of cane farmers. Maharashtra will go for assembly poll on October 21, 2019, and the results would be declared on October 24.

Devendra Fadnavis promises sugar mill for Karjat-Jamkhed constituency

Ahmadnagar: As the election campaigning is picking up in the state, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has promised the people of Karjat-Jamkhed to set up a cooperative sugar mill. The drought-prone region lacks industrial development and sugar mill will generate employment and cater to the need for cane producing farmers in the region.
BJP’s Ram Shinde made the announcement of setting up a cooperative sugar mill during the election campaign, and CM Fadnavis promised people to support him in this. The constituency is witnessing a tough contest between Rohit Pawar and Shinde. Pawar owns a private mill and CM’s promise has increased the weight of Shinde.

New sugarcane policy in Madhya Pradesh soon

Narsinhpur: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamalnath on Monday said that the government would bring a new policy for sugarcane farmers in the state. Addressing a gathering of farmers in Narsinhpur, he said, “The confidence of industrialists has increased, and they are ready to invest here which will generate employment. Now we are planning to revolutionize the agricultural sector. New sugarcane policy will help farmers to get their dues in time.”

“The previous governments have done nothing for farmers from the last 15 years, and it was a challenge for us. We have waived off the loan of 21 lakh farmers and are planning good policies for the betterment of farmers. We have made a positive change in 7 months and will do best for farmers during our tenure” he said.

India’s first advance sugar refinery unit set up at National Sugar Institute

Kanpur: A 10 tons per day sugar refinery is being set up at National Sugar Institute, Kanpur. The work for the same started on October 14 at the existing Experimental Sugar Factory of the institute by M/s Chemical System Technologies, New Delhi. The erection work is likely to be completed by mid January 2020 and it will start production by the end of January 2020. The sugar refined sugar unit is being installed so as to provide on the job training to the students of various courses. For producing such sugar, during the first stage, raw sugar shall be produced from sugarcane juice and thereafter the raw sugar so produced shall be melted, melt to be clarified by using lime and phosphoric acid, decolorizing the clarified sugar melt and then converting it into refined sugar by crystallization.

The sugar refinery is being set up adopting most modern processing technique and efficient process equipments. We are investing over Rs 250 lakhs for the same and for the first time in the country the refined sugar unit is being set up with two distinct de-colorization techniques, one based on use of ion exchange resins and deep bed filters while the other process incorporates use of active carbons & membrane filters, said Prof. Narendra Mohan, Director, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur.

Since due to sugar surplus, our country is eying on exports and since in the international market, sugar is mostly traded as raw sugar or refined sugar, it was considered essential to provide practical training to the students, he added. The refined sugar so produced shall be used for producing other flavored and fortified sugars. The process also ensures environment protection and necessary effluent treatment system is also being added.

Suggestion to adopt Brazil sugar mill model

Dharwad: India has surpassed Brazil in sugar production, said R K Singh, Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (Commercial Crops). He was speaking at a three-day annual meeting of Indian Institute of sugarcane Research (IISR) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) here on Monday.

Addressing the meeting, he said, “Sugar cultivation in India has increased three times in the last 49 years and sugarcane production by 8 times. The use of high yield variety has helped in increasing recovery by 1.8 times.”

“We are focussing on ethanol production from sugarcane juice,” he said. India has produced 130 crore litres of ethanol with Uttar Pradesh at the top with 40 per cent production.

Millers in India are struggling because of unsold stocks. Therefore, the government is focusing on ethanol production to strengthen the financial condition of sugar mills. Recently, the government increased the price of ethanol from C heavy molasses from Rs.43.46 per litre to Rs.43.75 per litre, and the price of ethanol from B heavy molasses hiked from Rs.52.43 per litre to Rs.54.27 per litre. Price of ethanol from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup route was fixed at 59.48 per litre.

The Central government has the vision to achieve 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol by 2030 and is moving in the same direction. Experts believe the production of ethanol will aid sugar mills to improve the financial condition as they are struggling with depressed sugar prices, surplus stocks, and piling cane arrears.

Singh stressed that we should follow the Brazil model where mills switch to sugar production or ethanol depending on the requirement of the market.

Pending cane arrears: Will not allow mills to sell sugar, says Rakesh Tikait

Muzaffarnagar: Diwali is round the corner, but sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh are yet to clear the sugarcane dues. Therefore it seems, without money cane growers are heading towards dark Diwali. Sugarcane farmers have intensified their protest due to non-payment of cane they had given to sugar mills.

Farmers agitating for the pending cane arrears have stated that if their dues will not get paid, then they will also not allow millers to celebrate the festival. They have threatened to block sugar sell on Dhanteras if millers fail to pay their dues.

Rakesh Tikait, leader of Bharatiya Kisan Union, the farmers’ organization said, “We should remain united to fight for our cause and pressurize the millers to get our dues paid before Diwali. If millers fail to pay dues, we will not allow them to sell sugar.”

Meanwhile, Pushkar Mishra, General Manager of Uttam Sugar mill said, “Out of Rs 52 crore dues, the mill has so far paid Rs 22 crore and will pay Rs 11 crore in the next three days. The mill will pay the remaining dues in the next few days.

Sugarcane arrears in Uttar Pradesh are getting cleared at a snail pace; therefore CM Yogi Adityanath had served October 31 deadline to all mills for clearing the cane arrears. It seems that the millers will defy the target date and also they will not be able to pay cane dues before the commencement of the crushing season.

Sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh demand settlement of power dues

Lucknow: Sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh are in under pressure to clear the cane arrears. Therefore, private mills have requested the state government to settle the power dues around Rs 1,000 crore so that they can pay the pending arrears.

Some private sugar mills in the state sell cogenerated electricity to UP Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) at fixed tariffs during the crushing season.

Sugarcane arrears in Uttar Pradesh are getting cleared at a snail pace; therefore CM Yogi Adityanath had served October 31 deadline to all mills for clearing the cane arrears. It seems that the millers will defy the target date and also they will not be able to pay cane dues before the commencement of the crushing season.

According to the reports, out of 119 mills in the state, 53 have cleared the all cane dues, and 33 others have paid over 80 per cent arrears.

Dharmendra Pradhan calls for inclusion of petroleum products nnder GST Regime

New Delhi: Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan has called for inclusion of petroleum products under GST regime. Speaking at third India Energy Forum by CERAWeek in New Delhi today, he appealed to the union finance ministerto take this up in the GST council and at least make a beginning byincluding natural gas and ATF in theGST. He said “It’sbeentwoyearssincetheintroductionof historic tax reform the GST was implemented by decisive leadership of Prime Minister Modi.Given the complexity of petroleum sector and the revenue dependence ofstate governments in this sector, petroleum products have been kept outside the ambit of GST regime.There has been continuous demand from the petroleum industry forinclusion of petroleum products under GST regime.”

Shri Pradhan said thatno single form of energy can meet the growing energy demand in India given India’sdevelopment imperative that aims to ensure energy justice to all. Mixing all commercially viable energy sources is the only feasible way forward in our context. India will chart its own course of energy transition in a responsible manner.

The Minister highlighted several measures taken by the Government to overhaul the hydrocarbon policy framework to revitalize oil and gas ecosystem and establish a conducive business environment. Growing presence of global oil and gas majors like Saudi Aramco, ADNOC, BP, Shell, Total, Rosneft and ExxonMobil in India is a testimony to the faith and confidence of global investors on promising India’s growth story. He said “I am glad to see investors, MakinginIndia, for India, and also for the globe.”

413 farmers lodge complaint with sugarcane department

Kasganj: After the implementation of the e-sugarcane system in the Kasganj district, flaws have emerged in the registration process. So far 413 cane growers have lodged objections with the sugarcane department. The department is working on resolving the complaints.

The process of cane purchase for crushing has begun, and around 8000 farmers have registered with the department. Online claims objections were sought after the department implemented the e-sugarcane system. Total 413 farmers have registered complaints regarding feeding discrepancies in data, including wrong bank account, land disputes, and others.

Sugarcane department has resolved maximum issues. The department has asked the complainant farmers to submit documents to fix the problems.

Pending cane arrears results in reduction of cane cultivation area

Kabirdham: The pending cane arrears have upset the sugarcane farmers, therefore they moved to other crops cultivation. It has impacted the cane cultivation in Kabirdham district.

The survey details released by the agricultural department states that during the last crushing season, the cane was grown on 27,458 hectares and this year it is grown on 22580 hectares in the district.

Like many other states, Chhattisgarh is too facing the problem of cane arrears, and farmers are not getting paid on time. Therefore, farmers are switching to other crops than sugarcane.

Government to achieve 10 per cent blending percentage of ethanol in petrol by 2022 to boost farm economy: Dharmendra Pradhan

New Delhi: Speaking at third India Energy Forum by CERAWeek in New Delhi today, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan said we aim to achieve 10 per cent blending percentage of ethanol in petrol by 2022 to cut dependence on energy import, promote the use of environment-friendly fuel and boost the agriculture sector.

Recently, the Indian government increased ethanol prices from C heavy molasses from Rs.43.46 per litre to Rs.43.75 per litre, and the cost of ethanol from B heavy molasses hiked from Rs.52.43 per litre to Rs.54.27 per litre. Price of ethanol from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup route was fixed at 59.48 per litre.

To promote the energy sustainability, the Minister said that we are giving thrust on biofuels. The new National Biofuel policy envisages an integrated approach to produce biofuels from various types of agriculture residue and municipal solid waste. Biofuel policy will help farmers to become “urjadata from anndata”. An important initiative has been undertaken to produce compressed biogas from biomass waste. We have made a target to setup 5000 compressed biogas plants in different parts of the country. These plants are being setup by private entrepreneurs. Oil marketing companies are offering assured price and offtake guarantee to procure the compressed biogas. Highlighting some difficulties being faced by these private entrepreneurs to access to bank finance for setting up CBG plants, he requested Finance Minister to look into this challenge.

Millers in India are struggling because of unsold stocks. Therefore, the government is focusing on ethanol production to strengthen the financial condition of sugar mills. Experts believe the production of ethanol will aid sugar mills to improve the financial condition as they are struggling with depressed sugar prices, surplus stocks and piling cane arrears.

Uttar Pradesh: Ramala sugar mill workers to knock labour court’s door

Meerut: Ramala sugar mill workers, who were fired from jobs, held the meeting in Asara village on Friday to discuss the future action. It has been consensus decided to move to labour court against the mill.

Two workers were killed in an accident in Ramala mill, Uttar Pradesh last year, and the mill paid compensation of Rs 22.40 lakh to the deceased family. It has been alleged that following this, the mill had stopped providing jobs to the workers from nearby villages stating that there is no work in the mill.

The workers had alleged that the reason behind mishaps was due to lack of safety. Refuting the claims, mill administration said, “Only those labours who were not following the safety norms were asked to leave the jobs. In spite of providing the safety kits, they were not using it, and this has led to accidents in the mill. And the company has to bear the brunt of this.”

Last week district magistrate Shakuntala Gautam inspected the mill and asked the administration to ensure workers safety. As many as 250 persons have lost job from the mill in the last one year.

The workers claim they are facing a tough time because of being unemployed, and it has become difficult for them to meet their daily needs.

Over pending payment from sugarcane department, sugar mill stops clearance of cane dues

Roorkee: The Liberheri Sugar mill has stopped payment of pending arrears worth Rs 50 crore citing that the sugarcane department has not paid mill Rs 1.25 crore.

Over the pending dues, the farmers had launched an agitation, following which mill agreed to pay all dues by September 30. The deadline was however extended to October 4 and later to October 10. Now farmers are awaiting the response from the mill that when dues would be transferred into their bank account.

According to the mill administration, the sugarcane department had promised to pay Rs 1.25 crore to the mill which was due with them but has not paid yet. It would have been easy for the mill to pay farmers after receiving the amount.

Shailendra Singh, sugarcane assistant commissioner, said, “The department had paid money to mill through RTGS but could not complete process as the server was down. We have written the concerned bank about it and will resolve the issue soon.”

Tirupati sugar mill to start crushing season from November 4

Patna: Like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, sugar millers from Bihar too are gearing up to commence the crushing season 2019-2020. Tirupati sugar mill from Bihar will begin crushing from November 4, and all preparation has been done for the same.

Mill MD Deepak Yadav addressing a press conference on Friday said, “Due to rainfall, at some field, there is water logging. Therefore it has been decided to start crushing season from November 4. The preparations are in the final phase.”

“In last season we had purchased cane worth Rs 380 crore and have almost paid all the dues. We are yet to pay Rs 13.50 lakh to farmers due to issues in their bank documents. We have appealed the farmers to come with valid documents. Their arrears too are likely to clear very soon. We are planning for crushing more sugarcane than previous season this time,” Yadav further added.

Chhattisgarh: Danteshwar sugar mill’s water woes to end soon

Balod: Danteshwari Maiyya Cooperative sugar mill in Chhattisgarh got a big relief as its water woes will come to an end soon. According to the reports, water supply to the mill from Darritola Dam will commence soon.

The administration has issued a work order regarding this and given instructions to start the work as soon as possible so that the water scarcity issue can be solved before the beginning of the crushing season.

This project was pending from the last several months. The mill management was demanding to bring water to the mill by laying a pipeline from the dam, about 3 km away, as it was facing the water shortage. It seems now mill’s trouble will low down as administration has given the nod for the same.

Rise in sugar robbery case: Sugar stolen from fair price shop

Kawardha: It seems sugar robbery cases are on the rise. On October 9, Unidentified men by breaking locks of a fair price shop in Kawardha decamped with foodgrains including sugar. A police complaint has been lodged with the local Kukdoor police station in this regard. The preliminary investigation says thieves took away 2.74 quintals of sugar.

According to police, Dinesh Kumar, a salesman from the shop lodged a complaint in this matter. Police are further investigating the case in detail.

Well, this is not the first time when the sweetness of sugar has attracted robbers, earlier too sugar robbery cases were reported. Recently, at the Dorangla police station in Gurdaspur, sugar robbery from a shop was reported.

In another case, a gang that had stolen sugar from a truck was arrested by the CIDCO Crime Recovery Team within just two hours. Also, a case of sugar theft was reported in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh where the sugar was stolen by breaking the lock of the government fair price shop.

Sugar mill scam: Fresh trouble for Mayawati

Lucknow: In a major jolt for BSP supremo Mayawati, the CBI is mulling to convert its three preliminary enquires (PEs) into regular cases to investigate the alleged irregularities in the sale of 21 sugar mills during her term of office as UP CM.

According to the reports, three former senior UP bureaucrats may face CBI heat as the agency will examine them as a part of its probe into the matter. It is alleged that the scam worth is around Rs 1,179 crore.

In the month of April, the FIR was registered in Lucknow by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the CBI under section 420,468,471 and 477A against 7 accused for cheating, forgery for purpose of cheating using forged documents as genuine, falsification of accounts and violation of the provision of Company Act 1956.

After CBI lodged FIR, the BSP president alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was misusing CBI against the Opposition, and the sudden lodging of case during the Lok Sabha polls was an effort to target the alliance. Countering the allegation, she clarified, “I had no role in the sale of the mills, as the decision was taken by the Cabinet and the department was solely responsible for it.”

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that all the closed down sugar mills would be re-started and those sold illegally during the Mayawati regime would be taken back.

Three new sugarcane varieties recommend for drought-prone region

Pune: Sugarcane farmers are aiming to boost cane production to improve its financial condition. The water situation in drought-prone region like Marathwada is becoming grimmer, therefore ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore is testing three new sugarcane varieties in such areas, which will be compatible as per the region. The three new sugarcane varieties are Co 85019, 98017, and 09004.

Dr. Bakshi Ram, Director, ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute speaking on this said, “The tests of these varieties have shown positive results. These tests are underway in Kopargaon, Nanded, Jalna and other areas.

“Soon we will recommend Co 11015 as an effective option for popular sugarcane variety Co 86032. Compare to Tamil Nadu, Kolhapur’s region climate is favourable for this variety. It will aid in increasing sugar recovery by 1 per cent.” he further added.

Sugar farmers protest dramatically over pending cane dues

Sangrur: Like Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, sugarcane farmers in Punjab too are awaiting for their sugarcane dues payment. The mounting cane arrear has put sugarcane farmers in financial distress. Therefore they have intensified their protests.

Two agitators protest dramatically by climbing on the chimney of the sugar mill and remained there for more than 30 hours to press for their demands. The agitators had blocked the gates of the mill, and no employees were allowed to enter in the mill premises.

They were later brought down after intervention of the police. The sugar mill owes around Rs 9.50 crore to the cane growers.

Jaswant Sinh Sandhu, GM of the sugar mill said, “Mill has paid Rs 2.50 crore till date. The payments were stopped since October 4 due to some issue, and soon all dues will be cleared.”

Gujarat sugarcane harvesters seek higher wages

Ahmedabad: The new cane cutting season is nearing and the sugarcane harvesters from Dang district of South Gujarat claims they are getting less daily wages and are staging agitating to increase it.

Harvesters claim that they get Rs 119 per day and the government should pay them higher wages. Around 1.5 lakh labourers from Dang cater the need of sugar mills in Surat and Navsari districts.

“The wages we get were fixed six years ago. We are paid Rs 238 for every tonne of sugarcane harvesting, bundling and loading it in the truck. It requires the work of two persons. So per person, we get just Rs 119 per day,” said one of the agitating labourers.

A delegation of 150 labourers met Dang district collector to resolve the issue, but he asked them to discontinue the agitation.

‘Red Rot’ attacks sugarcane crop in Uttar Pradesh

Pilibhit: Sugarcane farmers in Uttar Pradesh are already struggling with the pending cane arrears, and now threatening disease ‘Red Rot’ is also adding to their woes. Due to its devasting effect, scientists also call Red Rot as cancer of sugarcane. Pilibhit district cane growers in the state are facing the brunt of it as thousands of acres of land are under the effect of Red Rot. According to the experts, the disease that is highly variable in nature is not curable, but it can be prevented.

The farmers have informed government officials about this and have demanded remedy for the same. On the information about Red Rot, sugarcane officer Jitendra Mishra visited the Bisalpur region on Thursday and inspected the sugarcane crop. Mishra has asked for the protective measures to curb the infection to other cropped fields.

He said, “Red rot is a fungal-borne disease that infects the tissues of cane stem. The infection of red rot can be transmitted to other fields though air, rain water, irrigation water and even the heavy dews. This disease can be prevented. If any farmer sees such an infected sugarcane crop, it should be destroyed immediately, or else it spreads very fast.”

It is expected that it will harm the sugarcane output in Uttar Pradesh along with sugar production.

China to buy 50,000 tonnes raw sugar from India

New Delhi: In a good news for India, China has signed a memorandum of understanding with India to purchase 50,000 tonnes of raw sugar. On Friday, the delegation of China was in New Delhi to discuss sugar business opportunities. Sugar mills in India are eyeing to export sugar surplus in a bid to reduce the glut and also leaving no stone unturned to lock in deals with buyers to commence the export.

According to the reports, Dhampur Sugar Mills would export the quantity to four refineries in China.

It is expected that in the sugar season 2019-2020, China is likely to produce 10 MMT of sugar, whereas their annual consumption is 15 MMT. To fulfil the domestic requirement, China imports sugar from other countries, therefore in this season country will import 5 MMT of sugar.

To reduce the sugar surplus, the Indian government had announced financial assistance on 60 LMT sugar export for 2019-20 sugar season. The policy involves financial aid of Rs 10,448 per metric tonne (mt) to sugar mills.

Sugar mills across India have already started gearing up for exports as it would rope in financial assistance from the Government and ease the financial burden and tall stockpiles. Recently, millers contracted 20,000 metric tonnes of sugar export from Maharashtra to Sri Lanka, Yemen and Somalia.

Ramala sugar mill workers struggling to find job

Ramala: Two workers were killed in an accident in Ramala cooperative sugar mill, Uttar Pradesh last year, and the mill paid compensation of Rs 22.40 lakh to the deceased family. Following this, the mill has now stopped providing job to the workers from nearby villages stating that there is no work in the mill. The workers are facing a tough time as they are jobless, and it has become difficult for them to meet their daily needs.

Several accidents were reported in the mill premises last year. The workers had alleged that the reason behind mishaps was due to lack of safety and not using helmets and safety belts. Last week district magistrate Shakuntala Gautam inspected the mill and asked the administration to ensure workers safety. As many as 250 persons have lost job from the mill in last one year

Sugar millers to try their luck in Maharashtra assembly election

Kolhapur: Sugar sector continues to rule the politics in Maharashtra with as many as 100 candidates associated with sugar mills in the state are contesting the polls. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is leading with fielding 30 candidates followed by BJP with 28 candidates. Shiv Sena has fielded 15 whereas Congress has given the ticket to 12 candidates. Eleven sugar barons are contesting independently. Eleven constituencies, including Islampur, Karmala, Pandharpur, Wai, Patan, Karveer, Rahuri, Kagal, Majalgaon and Kopargaon, will witness a tough fight between sugar barons.

The politics in Western Maharashtra revolves around cooperative sugar mills, and hardly any political party stays away from it. 54 candidates connected with sugar mills are in the fray here. In Marathwada region, 22 sugar millers from eight districts are trying their luck this time.

It is expected that rivals will rake up the issues including unpaid dues of sugarcane farmers. As sugarcane farmers are the major vote banks in the state, therefore millers will leave no stone unturned to woo them. Maharashtra will go for assembly poll on October 21, 2019, and the results would be declared on October 24.

Dark Diwali for sugarcane farmers

Pune: Along with Diwali, sugar season 2019-2020 is round the corner, but mills are yet to clear the sugarcane dues. Sugar mills across India, majorly in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, owe crores of rupees to sugarcane farmers. With the pending dues, it seems this Diwali for cane growers will be faded.

Speaking about Uttar Pradesh, sugar mill are yet to pay around 4,700 crore rupees in spite of multiple warning from the state government. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s warning to the sugar mills is yielding results with the very slow pace. The UP government had set a deadline of October 31 to pay all the arrears of sugarcane farmers. Recently, the Allahabad High Court had directed the Uttar Pradesh government to clear the cane dues with 15 per cent interest on it within a month. The court issued the order after hearing a petition filed by farmers from Uttar Pradesh. The deadline of October 15 set by High Court to clear pending sugarcane dues is approaching, but still the mills are yet to pay the arrears.

According to the reports, in Maharashtra, mills are yet to pay around 397 crore dues out of out total Rs 23,293.82 crore to the cane growers.

Bank Of India applies for insolvency petition against Dharani Sugars

Chennai: Bank of India has applied to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for insolvency petition against the Dharani Sugars and Chemicals belonging to PGP Group of Companies. The company’s manufacturing plants are located at Tirunelveli, Tiruvannamalai and Villupuram districts in Tamil Nadu.

The company has forwarded a one-time settlement proposal to the bank and has submitted a resolution plan to its lenders, and both are under consideration. In a BSE filing, Dharni Sugars said, “In the meantime, Bank of India has chosen to refer it [the default] to NCLT. Its financial position is impacted due to surplus sugar and falling market prices.

Due to various reasons, Tamil Nadu sugar industry is in deep crisis, and they are awaiting financial assistance to come on track.
Sugar producers from Tamil Nadu have requested a relief package to come out of this grim situation. Recently, Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had assured Tamil Nadu sugar industry to revive when she met the representatives of the sugar sector in Chennai. She had promised to arrange a meeting with RBI and banks, where they can discuss and find a solution to uplift the sugar industry. The industry is hoping sops after assurance from Finance Minister.

Farmers warn of throwing sugarcane on the road

Budaun: Sugarcane arrears has remained a major issue in Uttar Pradesh. Cane growers are intensifying the protest and staging demonstration over pending dues. In a meeting of members of the Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan at Amgaon Gram Panchayat in Badaun district, farmers have expressed their displeasure over non-payment of dues pending for more than a year. They warned that if the payment is not made immediately then to press their demand all the farmers will throw their sugarcane on the road.

The organization’s district vice president Ankit Rathore said that no one is concerned about the suffering of sugarcane farmers. All they get assurance and no respite.

According to the reports, sugar mills in the Uttar Pradesh owe around 4,700 crore rupees to sugarcane farmers. Cane growers have intensified their protest for pending arrears, and in spite of multiple warnings from the government, mills failed to clear the dues.

Sugarcane farmers demand amendment to bankruptcy law

Puducherry: Sugarcane farmers are upset as they are yet to receive sugarcane arrears. Cane growers belonging to three organisations demanded to change their status from operational creditors to priority creditors by amending Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

The farmers under the banner of Consortium of Indian farmers’ Associations, Federation of Tamil Nadu and Pondi State Private Sugar mill Cane Growers’ Associations and the South India Sugar Mill Cane Growers Association launched protest for their demand to make changes with retrospective effect from 2016 when IBC came into force.

According to the federation, four private sugar mills including two from Cuddalore district and one each in Thanjavur and Nagapattinam owe Rs 100 crore to farmers from 2016.

Sugar mills directed to start crushing season by October 31

Hapur: Sugarcane farmers in Uttar Pradesh should not face any problem; therefore, the state government is ensuring that sugar mills commence crushing on time. Hapur sugarcane officer Omprakash Singh has instructed mills in the district to start crushing season by October 31.

“The instructions have been issued to the mill administrations as per the rule. The Brajnathpur mill is ready for taking up crushing, and the Simbhaoli mill is taking up efforts to start crushing by October 31,” he said. Singh also directed mills to clear pending arrears immediately.

According to the reports, sugar mills in the state owe around 4,700 crore rupees to sugarcane farmers. Cane growers have intensified their protest for pending arrears, and in spite of multiple warnings from the government, mills failed to clear the dues. Sugarcane farmers in the state are worried as their past dues have not been cleared yet, and the new season is about to commence soon. They claim that their financial condition is worsening day-by-day as they have not received dues from mills. Farmers assert that they are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children.

Ajinkyatara sugar mill to focus on increasing ethanol production

Satara: Ajinkyatara cooperative sugar mill is one of the best sugar mills in Maharashtra, and we are emphasizing on ethanol production along with sugar production to increase farmers income, said Director Shivendrasinhraje Bhonsle.

“The sugar mill is growing from the last 12 years and has gained confidence in farmers, workers, and cane cutters. The mill is paying better FRP to farmers and working for their betterment,” Bhonsle said.

“The recovery of sugar will increase due to the installation of new machinery in the mill. When there is a low demand for sugar, the production of ethanol is a good option. With the government giving good rates to ethanol, we will reduce sugar production and produce 20 lakh litres of ethanol,” he further added.

Maharashtra: Sugarcane harvester to contest election through crowdfunding

Aurangabad: Maharashtra assembly election is round the corner and candidates are trying their fortune to win the polls. Among many, Ankush Rathod, a sugarcane harvester is one of the 13 candidates contesting assembly election from Jintur seat in Parbhani district.
Rathod has no strong political background nor enough money to contest the poll; therefore, he is banking on crowdfunding to bear the poll expenses.

“I am fighting on behalf of 10 lakh sugarcane harvesters from Marathwada and raising their issues. This will raise the socio-economic condition of cane harvesters, and we expect to get justice through the election,” Rathod said.

Before he decided to contest the elections on CPI ticket, Rathod has worked for more than ten years as cane harvester in Western Maharashtra. “Cane harvesting generates seasonal employment and we do not have job security. No laws have been made for our safety, and we have to face danger during work. Even after working for more than 14 hours a day, we are paid less than that offered under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act,” he said.

Rathod will be fighting against Meghana Sakore-Boradikar of BJP and others.
Maharashtra will go for poll on October 21, 2019, and the results would be declared on October 24

Deadline set for sugar mills coming to an end; mills yet to clear sugarcane dues

Shamali: The deadline of October 15 set by Allahabad High Court to clear pending sugarcane dues is approaching, but still the mills are yet to pay the arrears. Earlier, by giving a big relief to cane growers, the Allahabad High Court had directed the Uttar Pradesh government to clear the cane dues with 15 per cent interest on it within a month.

Sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh owe around 4,700 crore rupees. As the deadline is round the corner, it seems clearing the arrears would be difficult for the mills.

Even Uttar Pradesh is stern on mills over pending cane dues. Issuing warning against the defaulter sugar mills, UP government had also set a deadline of October 31 to pay all the arrears of sugarcane farmers. Sugarcane minister Suresh Rana had stated that the pending dues of farmers would be settled before October end. And If the mills failed to clear dues, then recovery certificates will be issued to them and dues would be paid after selling sugar from their godowns.

Acting on a PIL filed by two farmers, the Allahabad High Court had instructed state government to clear dues of cane growers within a month. The petitioners had stated that they had borrowed loans from banks to grow the crop but are not in a position to repay as their dues are pending with mills.

Farmers’ body permits farmers to fix price of sugarcane produce

Pilibhit: All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee has allowed Uttar Pradesh cane growers to fix the price for the sugarcane crop for the forthcoming crushing season 2019-2020, said VM Singh, national convener of the committee. All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee is the umbrella organization of 209 farmer unions in the country.

V M Singh, national convenor of the committee said, “The committee has decided to permit the cane growers to fix the selling price at Rs 435 in comparison to Rs 325 of the previous year after minister Suresh Rana informed the assembly that per quintal average cost of sugarcane production is Rs 290. The historic announcement will be done at a Kisan panchayat which will be held in Bilari in Moradabad district on October 18.”

Sugarcane farmers say that the cost of sugarcane production is increased; therefore, there is a need to hike cane price. Also, they are struggling with the pending cane dues. Sugarcane arrears has remained a major issue in Uttar Pradesh. Following which cane growers are staging demonstration and have also intensified their protest. They claim that their financial condition is worsening day-by-day as they have not received dues from mills. Farmers assert that they are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children.

In the month of July, Central government kept Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane unchanged at Rs 275 per quintal for 2019-20 crushing season for a basic recovery rate of 10 per cent as sugar mills in India claimed that they are finding it difficult to pay FRP of sugarcane as the average production cost of sugar is 35 to 36 rupees per kg as against the MSP of 31 rupees per kg.

Cane crushing in Maharashtra may commence from November 15

Pune: Heavy rain in Pune, Sangli, Satara and Kolhapur districts, the sugar belt of Maharashtra, have majorly hit the sugarcane crops. Also, farmers have uprooted sugarcane in the severely drought-affected regions of the state to feed their animals as other green fodders were not available. According to the reports, considering these all aspects announcement can be made to commence crushing season from November 15. However, it is yet to be formally announced by the Ministerial Committee.

The heavy rainfall has affected the cane crop in South Maharashtra with some crops partially submerged and some fully submerged underwater. Experts believe that the millers are in no mood to start crushing till the elections get complete as the majority of the mills are associated with politicians, and they and their workers will be busy in an election campaign.

The decision regarding the start of crushing would be taken after the election only as code of conduct is enforced now.

The sugar commissionerate had extended the last date for obtaining crushing license to give mills more time to prepare for crushing. It was extended to September 30 from the earlier deadline of August 30.

Sugar mills in the state for season 2019-20 may face difficulty in getting a crushing license. To ensure the early payment for sugarcane farmers, Maharashtra government has decided that sugar mills would be issued crushing licences only if they agree to pay fair and remunerative price (FRP) dues to cane growers within 14 days.

A total of 195 sugar mills participated in sugar season 2018-2019. According to the Sugar Commissionerate report, the factories have crushed 951.79 lakh tonnes of sugarcane to produce 107.19 lakh tonnes of sugar at a recovery rate of 11.26 per cent.

Sugar mill worker falls from sugarcane carrier, dies

Pilibhit: A 22-year-old worker from Kisan Cooperative sugar mill fell on the ground from sugarcane carrier and sustained severe injuries on Tuesday morning. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

The deceased has been identified as Gangadin Durga Prasad Sumerlal.
According to mill administration, Gangadin was on duty on Tuesday morning and started operating on the Cane carrier. Due to the sudden technical error in the machine, he fell on the ground and sustained severe injuries.

A case has been registered in this regard with police station after the workers alleged that the hospital authorities did not provide emergency treatment to Gangadin.

Sugarcane farmers threaten to immolate over pending cane arrears

Roorkee: Farmers from Roorkee have to written Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttarkhand Chief minister threatening to immolate themselves for payment of pending cane arrears from Iqbalpur sugar mill.

Iqbalpur sugar mill owes around Rs 200 crore from the last two crushing seasons 2017-18 and 2018-19.

In spite of assurance from Uttarakhand government that all cane dues would be cleared by September 30, sugarcane farmers yet not received the sugarcane arrears. Despite agitation by the farmers many times, the mill failed to clear the cane dues. This has enraged the farmers and claims that both government and sugar mill is cheating them.

Sugarcane farmers claim that their financial condition is worsening day-by-day as they have not received dues from mills. Farmers assert that they are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children.

After mill failed to pay arrears, the government started auctioning of the mill’s sugar but failed to attract the buyers due to stringent bidding rules.

Sugarcane farmers warn protest against Rana Sugar mill

Shahabad: Despite Uttar Pradesh government’s strict instructions, the sugar mills in the state have failed to clear sugarcane dues. Rana Sugar mill is yet to pay Rs 16 crore to cane producers. Farmers have intensified their protest as they claim that it has become difficult for them to survive without money.

Parshuram Sharma, BKU district unit head, said, “Due to the wrong agricultural policy of the government, sugarcane dues are not being paid to the farmers. The rule mandates that cane amount should be deposited to the farmers’ bank accounts within 14 days after the sugarcane harvest is handed over to the factory owners and in case of delay 15 per cent interest on it. But the mill failed to pay the dues.”

“We have threatened to launch an agitation if the mill fails to clear pending arrears of farmers. The farmers are facing financial problems to meet their daily needs and repay the loans taken from banks for cane cultivation.” he further added.

Villagers threaten to agitate against Sabitgarh Sugar mill

Bulandshahar: Villages located in the jurisdiction of Sabitgarh Sugar mill are facing severe problems due to pollution. Local villagers allege pollution caused by mill residues are making it difficult for people to live. The ash coming out of the chimney of the mill has increased air pollution resulting in people suffering from different diseases.

On Sunday, dozens of people from Sabitgarh, and other villages staged a demonstration against the sugar mill management. They warned of protest if an issue does not get resolved soon.

Taking steps to control the pollution, private sugar mills from Uttar Pradesh have invested Rs 600 crore in the last two years. According to the Uttar Pradesh Sugar Mill Association (UPSMA), they are ready to spend more if needed and ready to work in collaboration with Pollution Control Boards at Centre and State level.

Not contesting election for the sake of Kukadi sugar mill: Rahul Jagtap

Ahmadnagar: I have withdrawn from assembly election for the sake of Kukadi sugar mill, said MLA Rahul Jagtap. He stated that though he is not in the fray this time but is preparing to contest next assembly elections.

He was speaking at a congregation of party activists at Pimpalgaon Pisa on Saturday. Addressing the gathering, he said, “In Srigonda, we have to win the seat supporting NCP. I am not contesting this time, as I have to pay attention to the Kukadi sugar mill. I will not stop here and will be preparing for the next assembly elections.”

“The sugar sector is facing financial problems, and at this stage, my role will be to work for the betterment of farmers and help them to sustain in this situation. I do not fear ED or anyone but have a commitment towards the betterment of sugar mill,” he said.

Sugar mill manager abducted at gunpoint

Monday 7th October 2019
Domestic: The market was stable, with moderate demand.
Maharashtra: S/30 Sugar trades are taking place at Rs.3125 to Rs.3205/Qntl whereas M/30 trades took place at Rs.3265 to Rs.3375.
Uttar Pradesh: The market trades for M/30 are taking place at Rs.3425 to 3575.
Gujarat: S/30 Sugar is trading at Rs.3211 to Rs.3265 and M/30 Rs.3300 to 3365
Kolkata: The trades for M/30 are taking place at Rs.3820 to 3855.
Tamil Nadu: S/30 Sugar is trading at Rs.3350 to Rs.3480 whereas M/30 is trading at Rs.3425 to 3450.
*All the domestic rates except Kolkata are excluding GST
International Market: There was good demand for white sugar crop 2018/19 ICUMSA below 150 for ready shipments at Rs.20500 to Rs.20700 Ex. factory basis. The FOB indication for Indian White Sugar is at $330-332. London White Sugar front month contract is trading at $343.60/tn whereas US Sugar front month contract is trading at 12.63 cnts/lb at the time of writing this update.
Currency,Commodity & Indian Indices: The rupee traded against the US dollar at 70.998 meanwhile USD traded with BRL at 4.0625, Crude Futures traded at Rs.3815, Crude WTI traded at $53.58. Indian stock markets fell today, extending losses to the sixth session. Prospects of slower domestic economic growth and concerns over the financial sector hurt the sentiment. The Sensex ended 141.33 points lower at 37,531 while Nifty settled 48.35 points lower at 11,126.40.

4700 कोटी रुपये थकबाकी: उत्तर प्रदेशात साखर कारखान्यांसाठी जास्त विक्री कोट्याची मागणी

2019-20 ऊस गाळप हंगामात महिनाभरापेक्षा कमी कालावधी राहिल्यामुळे आणि 4,700 कोटी रुपयांच्या थकबाकीनंतर उत्तर प्रदेश सरकारची केंद्र सरकारकडे राज्यातील साखर कारखान्यांसाठी अधिक विक्री कोट्याची मागणी आहे. ही थकबाकी भागवण्यासाठी खासगी कारखानदारांना अडचणी येत आहेत.

2018-19 या गाळप हंगामासाठी एकूण देयपैकी 33,048 कोटी, 4,700 कोटी रुपयांचे शेतकर्‍यांचे देणे कारखान्यांकडून थकीत आहे. ऊस विकास आणि साखर उद्योगमंत्री सुरेश राणा म्हणाले, राज्यातील या स्थितीचा विचार करून केंद्र सरकारकडे यूपी कारखान्यांचा विक्री कोटा वाढवण्याची मागणी केली आहे. याबाबत मी लवकरच केंद्रीय अन्नमंत्री रामविलास पासवान यांची भेट घेणार असल्याचेही त्यांनी सांगितले.

ते म्हणाले, डिफॉल्ट मिलर्सनी त्यांच्या विक्री न झालेल्या साखरेमुळे थकबाकी निकाली भागवण्यास असमर्थता दर्शविली होती. ऑक्टोबरच्या अखेरीस थकबाकीची समस्या 100 टक्के सोडवण्याची ग्वाही राणा यांनी दिली. थकबाकीदारांवर कठोर कारवाई केली जाईल, असेही त्यांनी सांगितले.

ते पुढे म्हणाले की, यूपी पॉवर कॉर्पोरेशनने वीज खरेदीसाठी राज्याच्या खासगी कारखान्याना सुमारे एक हजार कोटी रुपयांचे कर्ज दिले आहे. हे पैसे मुख्यमंत्र्यांना शेतकर्‍यांच्या हितासाठी सुपूर्द करण्याची विनंती करू. सहकारी कारखान्यांवर थकीत बिलाबाबत तोडगा काढण्यासाठी सरकारकडून किमान 300 कोटी रुपयांचे विशेष पॅकेजही घेण्याची शक्यता आहे. मागील वर्षी योगी सरकारने सहकारी संस्थांना शेतकऱ्यांची थकबाकी भागवण्यासाठी 500 कोटी रुपये दिले होते. यापूर्वी, उशिरा बिले दिल्यामुळे राज्यात नऊ कारखान्यांवर पोलिसांनी गुन्हे दाखल केले होते. ही तक्रार कलम 3/7 आणि भारतीय दंड संहितेच्या कलम 420 आणि 120 (बी) अंतर्गत दाखल करण्यात आले होते. याशिवाय त्यांच्या विरोधात रिकव्हरी प्रमाणपत्रही देण्यात आले. हे जिल्हा प्रशासनाला साखरेच्या साठ्यासह जंगम व अचल मालमत्ता लिलावासाठी ताब्यात घेण्यास पात्र ठरवतात.

Uttar Pradesh government seek higher monthly sale quota for sugar mills

Lucknow: Mills in Uttar Pradesh are struggling to clear cane arrears. Therefore, now the state government comes to their rescue. According to the reports, the state government will ask the central government to grant higher monthly sale quota to mills in Uttar Pradesh, so that it will help them to clear dues fastly. Mills in the state owe sugarcane arrears around Rs 4,700.

Suresh Rane, sugarcane development and sugar industries minister said, “Considering the pending arrears and the situation of the mills, we will urge the central government to increase monthly sale quota. Soon, I will be meeting Union food minister Ram Vilas Paswan in this regard.”

Defaulter millers claim that due to fund scarcity, they are unable to clear the cane dues.

Recently, the Allahabad High Court had directed the Uttar Pradesh government to clear the cane dues with 15 per cent interest on it within a month. The court issued the order after hearing a petition filed by farmers from Uttar Pradesh. Issuing warning against the defaulter sugar mills, UP government had set a deadline of October 31 to pay all the arrears of sugarcane farmers.

Vishwaraj Sugar IPO fully subscribed

Chennai: Karnataka based Vishwaraj Sugar Industries has received a good response to its initial public offer with 1.12 crore bids against the IPO size of 1 crore shares.

The company’s IPO opened for bidding on September 30, 2019, and closed on October 4, 2019. The price band for the issue was fixed at Rs 55 to Rs 60 per share.

As per the data available on exchanges, the shares reserved for qualified institutional buyers and non-institutional investors were fully subscribed, and the retail investors got 0.64 per cent.

The public issue comprises an offer-for-sale of 70 lakh shares and fresh issue of 30 lakh shares. Out of the funds generated, Rs 15.7 crore would be used for fulfilling the requirement of working capital and corporate purpose.

Sugar export: China’s delegation to come to Delhi

Pune: Sugar mills in India are eyeing to export sugar surplus in a bid to reduce the glut and also leaving no stone unturned to lock in deals with buyers to commence the export. A ten-member delegation of China will be visiting New Delhi to discuss sugar import. China imports 50 lakh tonne of sugar every year.

Experts in the sugar sector expect that the sugar production at the international level will dip this year, and India has a good scope to encash this opportunity. To reduce the sugar surplus, the government had announced financial assistance on 60 LMT sugar export for 2019-20 sugar season. The policy involves financial aid of Rs 10,448 per metric tonne (mt) to sugar mills.

Prakash Naiknavare, Managing Director of Maharashtra Cooperative Sugar Federation, said, “Sugar production in many other countries, including Brazil, the world’s top sugar-producing country, is expected to decline. The central government had announced sugar export quota of 60 LMT, which can be completed in a similar situation, so all the sugar mills of the country need to come forward to export sugar. In this regard, the delegation of China will be coming to New Delhi on October 10.”

42 sugar mills from Solapur and Osmanabad apply for crushing license

Solapur: Despite the drought, which impacted the sugarcane production, a total of 42 sugar mills including 30 from Solapur and 12 mills from Osmanabad have applied for crushing license for the 2019-20 sugar season.

Farmers have uprooted sugarcane in the severely drought-affected regions of the state to feed their animals as other green fodders were not available. Due to which it was expected that unavailability of sugarcane would hamper sugar mills.

Mahesh Deshmukh, president of Lokmangal Sugar, said, “We are doubtful about the availability of sugarcane for crushing. The cane cultivation has been reduced due to drought, and available cane is used as fodder in cattle camps.”

In sugar season 2018-2019, 31 sugar mills from Solapur region and 13 sugar mills participated in crushing operations.

Sugar mills in the state for season 2019-20 may face difficulty in getting a crushing license. To ensure the early payment for sugarcane farmers, Maharashtra government has decided that sugar mills would be issued crushing licences only if they agree to pay fair and remunerative price (FRP) dues to cane growers within 14 days.

A total of 195 sugar mills participated in sugar season 2018-2019. According to the Sugar Commissionerate report, the factories have crushed 951.79 lakh tonnes of sugarcane to produce 107.19 lakh tonnes of sugar at a recovery rate of 11.26 per cent.

Auction of seized sugar from Siddheshwar mill on October 7

Solapur: Sugar season 2019-2020 is around the corner; therefore government seems to be stern on sugar mills over pending cane dues.

The state government has initiated action to auction 1 lakh quintal sugar seized from Siddheshwar cooperative sugar mill. It was seized after mill failed to clear Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) to sugarcane farmers on time.

Sugar commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad has issued RRC as the mill has not paid the sugarcane dues of sugar season 2018-2019.

Under the instruction of Sugar commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad, Uttar Solapur Tehsil office had seized 1 lakh quintal sugar of Siddheshwar sugar mill. Even after the sugar seizure, mill did not pay the pending dues, so now it has been decided to auction the sugar. The tehsil office will start auctioning of sugar on October 7. Sugar mill owes 42 crores 32 lakh rupees to cane growers.

According to the latest reports, 56 sugar mills in Maharashtra are yet to pay Rs 397.96 crore dues to the cane growers out of total Rs 23,293.82 crore

BKU demands Rs 500 per quintal for sugarcane

Dhampur: Farmers claim the price what they get for sugarcane is not sufficient; therefore, they are demanding to increase it. Bhartiya Kisan Union said that millers should pay Rs 500 per quintal to cane producer in the new crushing season.

Hariraj Singh Jat, the leader of the BKU, said, “The millers are yet to pay pending arrears of farmers from last season. Considering the inflation and increase in the input cost of agriculture, we demand that cane farmers should get Rs 500 per quintal for their crop.”

“Along with this we demand that the government should provide free power to farmers and pensions to those who have completed 60 years of age,” he said.

Sugarcane arrears has remained a major issue in Uttar Pradesh. They claim that their financial condition is worsening day-by-day as they have not received dues from mills. Farmers assert that they are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children. Therefore they asked the government to clear the pending dues.

Chhattisgarh: BJP warns of agitation over pending sugarcane dues

Raipur: Sugarcane farmers not only in Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh have intensified their protests over sugarcane dues, but also the issue is escalated in Chhattisgarh. Now, the sugarcane farmers gained support from the political party.

Threatening to launch an agitation, leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik said the BJP MLAs would protest if cane arrears of Kawardha farmers will not be paid. Addressing a special assembly session organised on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, he said, “The farmers are not getting their dues despite agitation. If the government fails to pay arrears of Kawardha farmers, BJP MLAs will organise the hunger strike.”

Sugar mills in Kawardha owe more than Rs 40 crore cane arrears to cane growers. They are worried as new sugarcane season is round the corner, and still, they have not received the cane dues.

RBI repo rate cut: Home, car loan to become cheaper

Mumbai: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given a pre-Diwali gift to the common man of the country. RBI on Friday cut the repo rate by another 0.25 per cent from 5.40 per cent to 5.15 per cent. It was announced by the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) and believes that this will complement the recent measures taken by the government to accelerate growth.

This was the fifth straight interest rate cut by the apex bank, and so far the total quantum of reductions is 1.35 per cent.

A repo rate cut allows banks to reduce interest rates for consumers and lowers EMIs on car loans, home loans, and personal loans.

Government has also taken note of the revised growth projections of the MPC at 6.1 per cent for 2019-20 along with growth projections made by other bodies including the IMF, ADB etc.

Government has further taken note of higher projection of headline inflation by MPC for 2019-20, which is within the band of 3-4 per cent and well within the target range.

A sharp slowdown in investment activity along with a continuing moderation in private consumption growth is a matter of concern and reduction in repo rate will aid in to boost the economy.

Private sugar mills in Maharashtra seek to commence 2019-20 season on November 1

Pune: Sugar mills in Maharashtra urge to commence 2019-2020 sugar season from November 1, whereas contrary to this Cooperative sugar millers in the state had earlier sought December 1 as the crushing date for the new season.

B B Thombare, president of Western India Sugar Mill Association (WISMA) said, “State government had sought an opinion from sugar mills regarding this and considering the recent floods in Kolhapur, Sangli, Pune and Satara, the association had recommended November 1 as the start to the season.”

Thombare stressed that the sugarcane in Western Maharashtra should be used quickly as most of them are damaged because of the flood. “Farmers from Marathwada have uprooted sugarcane to feed their animals as fodders were not available. So, if the crushing season gets delay, there is a likelihood of more cane being diverted towards fodder.” he further added.

The decision regarding the start of crushing would be taken after the election only as code of conduct is enforced now.

A total of 195 sugar mills participated in the operation this season. According to the Sugar Commissionerate report, the factories have crushed 951.79 lakh tonnes of sugarcane to produce 107.19 lakh tonnes of sugar at a recovery rate of 11.26 per cent.

Speaking about cane arrears in the state, 56 sugar mills in Maharashtra are yet to pay 1.71 per cent (Rs 397.96 crore) of FRP to farmers out of total Rs 23,293.82 crore. So far mill paid 98.38 per cent, that is Rs 22,915.62.

UP sugar mills spend Rs 600 crore to control pollution

Lucknow: As pollution is increasing in the country, there is a strong need to curb it. Taking steps to control the pollution, private sugar mills from Uttar Pradesh have invested Rs 600 crore in the last two years.

C B Patodia, president of Uttar Pradesh Sugar Mill Association (UPSMA) said, “We have invested up to Rs 600 crore since 2017 and have ensured that the effluent treatment plants do not discharge polluted water.”

He was speaking at a workshop organised on the topic of Sugar Industry and Environment pollution.

“We are ready to invest more if needed and ready to work in collaboration with Pollution Control Boards at Centre and State level. There is a need to spread awareness among millers about pollution,” he further added.

Sugar mills in Maharashtra cleared 98.38 per cent cane dues

Pune: Around one month left for the commencement of the new crushing season 2019-2020, but 56 sugar mills in Maharashtra are yet to pay Rs 397.96 crore dues to the cane growers.

A total of 195 sugar mills participated in the operation this season. According to the Sugar Commissionerate report, the factories have crushed 951.79 lakh tonnes of sugarcane to produce 107.19 lakh tonnes of sugar at a recovery. The mills are yet to pay 1.71 per cent of FRP to farmers out of total Rs 23,293.82 crore. So far mill paid 98.38 per cent, that is Rs 22,915.62.

According to the reports, 139 mills paid 100 per cent FRP, whereas 45 mills cleared 80-99 per cent FRP. 8 mills paid 60-79 per cent FRP and 3 mills made payments below 59 per cent.

Sugarcane farmers are worried as next season is round the corner, but yet they have not received the dues. Cane growers claim that their financial condition is deteriorating day-by-day and are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children as they are suffering from financial scarcity.

Sugar mills in the state may face difficulty in getting a crushing license. To ensure the early payment for sugarcane farmers, the Maharashtra government has decided that sugar mills would be issued crushing licences only if they agree to pay FRP to cane growers within 14 days.

“Govt. should increase the selling price of sugar every quarter” – Atul Chaturvedi

Mr. Atul Chaturvedi, a cognoscente in vegetable oil/seeds and agro business of the country has been serving as the President of the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) for the last 3 years and will now continue to serve in the same capacity for next year as well. The announcement of his re-election was made recently at the Association’s Annual General Meeting in Mumbai.

During the tenure as SEA President, Mr. Chaturvedi took up various progressive issues like increasing the differential duty between crude and refined oils, paving new ways for bulk export of edible oils, authorizing minor oils in chocolate, hiking the import duty on edible oils, removal of storage control on oil and oilseeds and many more.

Mr. Chaturvedi is currently the Director at Adani Wilmar Ltd and Executive Chairman of Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd.

In a conversation with ChiniMandi.com, Mr. Atul Chaturvedi expressed his views about his tenure again as the President of SEA and his insights about the sugar industry where he is representing India’s largest sugar refiner and ethanol producer.

Excerpts:
Q. Your tenure as a President proved to be very fruitful to the industry with the various developments under your leadership, what is the perspective for the tenure again?

A. Edible Oil Industry continues to face a lot of headwinds. Oil seed production is stagnating in our country resulting in very low capacity utilization in Crushing Industry. Port based Palm Refineries have been in trouble on account of low differential between imported Crude Palm Oil and Refined Palmolien.

Our focus going forward would be to work towards increasing Oilseed production and ensuring that our dependence on imports remains within reasonable levels and our Edible Oil Security is not compromised. For the Palm Refining Industry we would continue to work towards increasing the duty difference between CPO and Palmolien to ensure the viability.

Q. The vegetable oil/seed industry has endured great eminence with your presence and management. While we talk about the sugar industry what are your views on the way forward and according to you what other steps does the Govt. need to take considering the need of time?

A. The Government has taken many proactive steps to ensure the health of the stake holders in the sugar industry and the results are showing the same. The only thing which we feel GOI should do is to release the MAEQ benefits to the industry immediately after exports are completed. Needless to say, the industry suffers from liquidity issues and this does not encourage exports with huge amounts stuck as receivabl from GOI.

The monthly release mechanism has helped stabilize prices, however the carrying cost of the sugar is quite high and we feel the Govt. should increase the selling price every quarter at least to the extent of interest, say 10% per annum basis.

Q. Today, barely 2% of the total sugar produced is packaged and sold, apart from awareness in the market, what needs to be done according to you to bring packaged sugar to pivot?

A. Sugar is in the same situation as Edible Oil was two decades back. We feel consumers are now becoming quite conscious and the future of branded sugar is great. How long can we continue to buy loose sugar with all its attendant issues!!

Mawana Sugars to attract investors

New Delhi: Mawana Sugars has planned to reorganize business to attract domestic and global investors for investment. The decision was taken at the meeting of the board of directors on Wednesday.

In a regulatory filing, the company said, it plans to attract investors to explore possibilities to realize the maximum value of the assets of the company and reward the shareholders.

With an aim to attract domestic and global investors, the company will engage experts and merchant bankers to explore business reorganisation.

Siel Industrial Estate Ltd (Siel IE), Siel Financial Services Ltd, and Siel Infrastructure and Estate Developers Pvt Ltd. are the three subsidiary companies of the Mawana Sugars.

Clear pending dues of sugarcane farmers before clearing dues of bank: High Court

Pune: In a relief to the sugarcane farmers, Bombay High Court has directed the Solapur Collector to clear the pending arrears of cane growers first and then clear dues of lender Bank, Bank of Baroda. The bench comprising of Justice NB Suryawamshi and Indrajit Mahanty issued order while hearing the order of property attachment issued by sugar commissioner against Siddheshwar Cooperative Sugar Mill in Solapur.

Sugar Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad had issued a property attachment order under the RRC after the mill failed to pay farmers dues. The Solapur collector initiated auctioning the mill’s sugar as per the procedure.

Following this, the Bank of Baroda moved to High Court against auction demanding first payment of loan granted by the bank to mill. The bank claimed as secured creditors they have the first right to the property. The judge directed the collector to carry out the auction and first, pay the pending dues of farmers and then of the bank.

The court order read, “On rough ascertainment, the Collector is likely to receive the sum of Rs 43 crore and the certificate value is Rs 39.40 crore for the crush year 2018-2019 that is the dues of the farmers. It is stated by the learned counsel for the Cooperative Society that the total value of sugar available in the godowns is approximately Rs 200 crore. Apart from this, it is brought to our notice by the Petitioner-Bank that the dues to Bank of Baroda are Rs 2 crore (approx). Therefore, we further direct that the Collector after remitting the sum of Rs 49.04 crore regards satisfaction of the proceeding in favour of the farmers and sugarcane, further sum of Rs 2 crore be immediately credited to Bank.”

Climate change affected sugarcane industry: KS Vishwanatha

Pune: Climate change has affected not only human life but also the sugarcane industry, said K S Vishwanatha, vice-chancellor of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri. He was speaking at the 65th convention of the Deccan Sugar Technologists Association in the city on Tuesday.

“Since 1950, the sugarcane cultivation area had increased tenfold but not production due to climate factor. Maharashtra is facing drought since the beginning of this decade which is also a major issue for the reduction in production,” he said.

“Sugar industry after the cotton industry is a major sector that generates employment. The industry is now facing challenges that should be addressed immediately,” he said.

“The research is done in laboratories to produce high yielding varieties, but it should not be limited there and must reach out to farmers,” Vishwanatha further added.

Protest against Uttar Pradesh government over sugarcane dues

Shamli: Members of Samajwadi Party launched an agitation at district collectorate against the Yogi Adityanath government demanding payment of pending cane arrears. They alleged government failed to fulfil its poll promises.

Responding to the appeal made by SP president Akhilesh Yadav, the party workers from Unn, Kairana and Shamali launched a protest at respective tehsil offices on Tuesday. They alleged that the government has failed to meet promises made during the election campaign.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath claims total sugarcane dues in the state stand at Rs 5,000 crore, and government paid so far more than Rs 74,000 crore to the cane growers.

In the last 15 days, many sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh paid the dues. Recently, the Allahabad High Court had directed the Uttar Pradesh government to clear the cane dues with 15 per cent interest on it within a month. The court issued the order after hearing a petition filed by farmers from Uttar Pradesh. Adityanath directed the sugar mills to pay the pending cane arrears of farmers before October 31 and asked the government officials to file cases against the millers in case of non-payment of cane dues.

1 kg sugar instead of 1 kg plastic

Vijayapura: Darbar Educational Institute is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi innovatively by exchanging sugar for plastic.

The institute will give 1 kg of sugar in exchange for the same quantity of plastic. The institute has purchased five quintals of sugar which will be distributed on October 2.

Rajesh Darbar, president of the institution, said, “This unique idea will help us to spread awareness against the use of plastic. There is no limit for exchanging plastic, but it should not be less than one kg. This will encourage people to give up plastic.” The collected plastic will be handed over to the city corporation for recycling. People have to come with Aadhar card for exchanging plastic

Sugarcane farmers allege Iqbalpur sugar mill cheating them

Roorkee: Inspite of assurance from Uttarakhand government that all cane dues would be cleared by September 30, sugarcane farmers yet not received the sugarcane arrears. Farmers who gave sugarcane to Iqbalpur sugar mill are in big trouble. Despite agitation by the farmers many times, the mill failed to clear the cane dues. This has enraged the farmers and claims that both government and sugar mill is cheating them.

Farmers organized an agitation at the administrative office on Tuesday. Gulshan Rod, president of Kisan Morcha said, “Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat had called a meeting on September 12 and assured farmers that the pending arrears worth Rs 72 crore will be paid by the mill till September 30. However, the mill has not paid the dues yet. The BJP leaders are busy in taking credit but are not determined to solve the issues.”

Sugarcane farmers claim that their financial condition is worsening day-by-day as they have not received dues from mills. Farmers assert that they are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children.

As sugar mills are suffering from financial scarcity, Central government introduced various measures for them. Recently, with an aim to reduce the sugar surplus and low down cane arrears, the government has approved the sugar export subsidy. Sugar mills across India claim that due to depressed sugar prices and sugar surplus they are facing financial crunch and therefore are unable to clear the cane dues.

Uttar Pradesh: Five more sugar mills clear pending cane dues

Muzaffarnagar: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s warning to the sugar mills is yielding results. Five mills from the Muzaffarnagar district cleared all sugarcane dues for 2018-19 season. Only three mills now have to pay the cane dues around Rs 224 crore. So far, mills in district paid 92 per cent sugarcane dues to cane growers.

In the last 15 days, many sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh paid the dues. Recently, the Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to clear the cane dues with 15 per cent interest on it within a month. The court issued the order after hearing a petition filed by farmers from Uttar Pradesh.

Also, issuing a warning against the defaulter sugar mills, the UP government had set a deadline of October 31 to pay all the arrears of sugarcane farmers.

171 sugar mills in Maharashtra apply for crushing license

Pune: For the 2019-20 sugarcane crushing season, 171 sugar mills in Maharashtra have applied for crushing license online. A total of 195 sugar mills participated in the operation this season. According to the Sugar Commissionerate report, the factories have crushed 951.79 lakh tonnes of sugarcane to produce 107.19 lakh tonnes of sugar at a recovery rate of 11.26 per cent. Recently, the last date for the crushing licenses was extended to September 30.

Sugar mills in the state for season 2019-20 may face difficulty in getting a crushing license. To ensure the early payment for sugarcane farmers, Maharashtra government has decided that sugar mills would be issued crushing licences only if they agree to pay fair and remunerative price (FRP) dues to cane growers within 14 days.

Sugar season 2019-2020 is around the corner, and cane growers in Maharashtra are yet to receive pending arrears from the last season. According to the reports, 56 sugar mills in the state owe Rs 398 crore to sugarcane farmers.

Flood in Pune, Sangli, Satara, Solapur and Kolhapur districts, the sugar belt of Maharashtra, have majorly hit the sugarcane crops, which will ultimately be going to impact the sugarcane production in Maharashtra. Also, farmers have uprooted sugarcane in the severely drought-affected regions of the state to feed their animals as other green fodders were not available. It will also likely to impact sugar output in the state.

Abolish molasses quota for distilleries: UP sugar mills

Lucknow: Private sugar millers from Uttar Pradesh have urged the government to abolish the system of reserving molasses for state distilleries producing country liquor as the factories are saddled with 13 million tonnes inventory of molasses before the commencement of crushing season 2019-2020.

The millers have written a letter to state government objecting the reservation of molasses stating that it plays a vital role to pay cane arrears from the revenue generated by byproduct.

Uttar Pradesh government recently hiked the molasses quota from 12.5 per to 16 per cent for country liquor due to scarcity in production of the byproduct from an estimated 5.5 MT to around 4.8 MT during 2018-19. Sugar mills in the state expressed concern over this hike in the reserved quota. They claim that it will hamper the cash flow and will also clutch free availability of molasses towards ethanol making.

STAI’s one day seminar on “Optimizing Ethanol Production” concludes

The Sugar Technologists Association of India successfully organized an All India one day seminar on “Optimizing Ethanol Production in Distilleries attached with Sugar Mills – Experiences Gained and Way Forward” on 27th Sept. 2019, Hotel Vivanta, Panaji, Goa.

The seminar was inaugurated by Mr. Shivajirao Deshmukh, Director General, Vasantdada Sugar Institute, and presided over by Mr. Prakash Naiknavare, Managing Director, National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd. and Mr. M. Ramalingam, Managing Director, Dharni Sugars & Chemicals Ltd as the Guest of Honour.

Speaking to ChiniMandi.com, Mr. Sanjay Awasthi, President, STAI said that “The Government of India’s industry friendly Bio-Fuel Policy is offering attractive prices to sugar mills manufacturing ethanol. It is paying dividend as in past one year a number of sugar mills are either expanding their capacities or are setting up new ethanol plants. The country is also on the threshold of achieving 10% ethanol blending probably this year.”

“Going forward it is imperative for the industry to ponder over issues like integrating their distilleries with multi-feed stocks rather than depending on molasses alone to run their distilleries for atleast 300 days a year for a sustainable and viable sugar industry”. He added.

More than 100 delegates from across the country participated in the day long and deliberated on following 10 technical papers:

1. Monitoring and Certification of Ethanol Production from Sugarcane Juice of Bh Molasses by V.P. Sidanale, R V Dani
2. Achieving Energy Efficiency and Zero Effluent Discharge in Distilleries through Modern “E-Max Technology” by Sanjay Desai & Sandeep Chichbankar
3. Potential and Challenges for new Bio-Fuel Policy Implementation in Distilleries attached with Sugar Mills by Sanjay Awasthi, Anurag Goyal, Deepti Mishra
4. Optimizing Ethanol Production from Sugarcane Juice/Syrup,, BH Molasses and Sugar by Sanjay V Patil
5. Selection of Right Feedstock Mix and Value Maximization by Praj Industries
6. FAQ- Regarding Production of Ethanol under EBP from B Heavy Molasses by R.S. Shewale, R N Yadav, D.M. Raskar
7. B Molasses as Feedstock-Total Solution for Preservation & Processing towards achieving the Productivity and Efficiency for Sugar Diversion by Dilip S Jain, Kapil Khandelwal, Dharmender Pathak
8. Balancing Ethanol Production with Sugar to improve sustainability of Sugar Industry with reduced Pollution by V M Kulkarni
9. Degasification, Evaporation and Condensate Polishing systems for Bio-Methanated Spent Wash: A Case Study at Harinagar Sugar Mills Ltd.
10. Strategies on Optimization of Ethanol Production with Sugarcane and Multi-Feed Stocks by K Mohankumar and S Karthik Kumar

After PM gave permission to make ethanol from sugarcane, industries started coming up in Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath

Lucknow: Sugar season 2019-2020 is around the corner, and sugarcane farmers in Uttar Pradesh allege they are yet to receive the cane dues. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath claims total sugarcane dues in the state stand at Rs 5,000 crore, and government paid so far more than Rs 74,000 crore to the cane growers. He said that sugarcane farmers have a bright future in this country as PM Modi had given permission to make ethanol from sugarcane and also industries have started coming up in the state.

Recently, Adityanath directed the sugar mills to pay the pending cane arrears of farmers before October 31. He asked the government officials to file cases against the millers in case of non-payment of cane dues. Due to pending sugarcane arrears, sugarcane farmers are staging demonstration and have also intensified their protest.

Earlier, sugarcane minister Suresh Rana stated that the pending dues of farmers would be settled before October end. And If the mills failed to clear dues, then recovery certificates will be issued to them and dues would be paid after selling sugar from their godowns.

Vishwaraj Sugar IPO opens for subscription today

Chennai: Five company’s initial public offer (IPO), including Karnataka-based Vishwaraj Sugar Industries, have hit the market on Monday. Vishwaraj Sugar Industries plans to raise Rs 60 crore through fresh issues. The company offered 1 crore equity shares at a price band of Rs 55-60 per share. The IPO comprises of an offer for sale of 70 lakh shares and 30 lakh fresh issue, with a face value of Rs 10 per share.

The IPO of Vishwaraj Sugar Industries received bids for 39.24 lakh shares today, 30 September 2019, as against 1 crore shares on offer.

The other companies include IRCTC, Goblin India, Gensol Engineering and Tutorials Point India.

Govt. Fixes 21 LMT Monthly Sugar Quota for Sale in October 2019

ChiniMandi Delhi, 30th September 2019: In a notification issued on 30th day of September 2019, the food ministry has allocated 21 LMT monthly sugar quota for October to each of 535 mills in India along with added incentivized quota to those mills who have completed their export targets under MIEQ Quota. The allocated quota of October 2019 is 1LMT lower than the preceding year’s October month quota that stood at 22LMT.

The group sugar producing companies having more than one sugar producing units may maintain the stock as defined in Para (1) of this Order, either unit wise or for the group as a whole.

The sugar-mill wise Maximum quantity of white/refined sugar for domestic sale and dispatch during the month of October 2019 as given in column 4 of the table has been worked out on the basis of the following parameters.
The notional month-end stock for the month of September 2019, has been worked out on the basis of month end stock for September, 2019 (as reported on P-II) and subtracting actual release for September 2019. Since most of the mills have stopped operations during September 2019 hence no estimated production has been taken into account.
The quantity of white and raw sugar dispatched from sugar mills for the purpose of export (as reported P-II) has also been added in September 2019 month end notional stock.

Those sugar mills which have completed their 75% to 100% export targets under MIEQ quota allotted to them for the sugar season 2018-19 have been given incentive in the form of additional allocation @ 10% of their normal allocation for the month of October 2019. Besides, the sugar mills which have completed 50 to 75% of their export targets under MIEQ quota for the season 2018-19 have been given @ 7.5% of their normal allocation for the month of October, 2019 by adding this incentivized quantity in column 4 of the table in this Order. No deductions have been made for non-fulfillment of export targets under MIEQ.

Incentive in lieu of sugar sacrificed for producing ethanol from B heavy molasses have been given by adding additional quantity in column 4 of the table of this order, corresponding to the reported ethanol production from B heavy molasses (reported on P-II) for May 2019 for stock holding limit Order for the month of October 2019.

Show Cause Notices (SCNs) was issued to the sugar mills for violation of stock holding order for the month of May 2019. Except 8 sugar mills, replies to SCNs have been received from other sugar mills which are under examination. The excess quantity sold by the said 8 sugar mills have been deducted from the proposed allocation in the month of October 2019.

In the previous month the Govt. allocated 19.5 lakh MT monthly sugar quota in September to 535 mills in the country. October month’s quota is likely to bring sweetness in the market with the ongoing Hindu festivals Navratri/Durga Puja & dawn of Diwali. Sugar millers will also be able to witness and maintain the demand supply balance, stabilize the prices of sugar and to improve their liquidity position by the recently taken step of the Government by announcement of sugar export policy of 60LMT. Positive sentiments for sugar prices supported by the Indian festivals along with export demand are likely to keep the market flow smoothly and prices firm.

Yogi government impact: Sugar mill pays pending sugarcane dues

Kushinagar: The strict orders issued by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath government are yielding good results. Triveni Sugar mill has paid all the dues of cane farmers for the sugar season 2018-19.

Anil Kumar Tyagi, chief manager of the mill, said, “We have paid all the dues to sugarcane farmers. Farmers who have not submitted their bank account can do at the earliest to get their dues. Our commitment is to look after the benefits of the farmers”.

Issuing warning against the defaulter sugar mills, UP government had set a deadline of October 31 to pay all the arrears of sugarcane farmers. Recently, acting on a PIL filed by two farmers, the Allahabad High Court had instructed state government to clear dues of cane growers within a month. The petitioners have stated that they had borrowed loans from banks to grow the crop but are not in a position to repay as their dues are pending with mills.

Sugarcane minister Suresh Rana stated that the government is taking steps to ensure that the mills pay farmers their dues. Some mills have paid 100 per cent dues and remaining are in process to pay total arrears.

Sugar’s sweetness attracts thieves

Gurdaspur: The sweetness of sugar has now started attracting thieves as well. In a shop in Gurdaspur, thieves took away sugar and six thousand rupees. A case has been registered at the Dorangla police station in this regard.

According to police, complainant identified as Sukhdayal Singh owns a shop located on the main road in Ugara village. He locked shop in the evening and went home. Next day early in the morning, when Singh came to open the shop shutter, he found that the locks of the shutter are broken. Upon investigation, he found 60 kg of sugar and cash Rs 6000 is stolen.

ASI Bhupinder Singh stated that a case has been registered against unidentified people based on shop owner’s statement. To cab the culprits, police will scan the nearby CCTV fooatges.

This is not the first case of sugar theft. Recently in Aurangabad, a gang that had stolen sugar from a truck was arrested by the CIDCO Crime Recovery Team within just two hours. Also, a case of sugar theft was reported in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh where the sugar was stolen by breaking the lock of the government fair price shop.

Maharashtra sugar mills owe Rs 398 crore to sugarcane farmers

Solapur: Sugar season 2019-2020 is around the corner, and cane growers in Maharashtra are yet to receive pending arrears from the last season. According to the reports, 56 sugar mills in the state owe Rs 398 crore to sugarcane farmers. Only in Solapur, sugar mills have to pay Rs 151.75 crore to farmers.

A total of 195 sugar mills participated in the operation this season. According to the Sugar Commissionerate report, the factories have crushed 951.79 lakh tonnes of sugarcane to produce 107.19 lakh tonnes of sugar at a recovery rate of 11.26 per cent.

As per the Sugarcane Control Act, the rule mandates that FRP amount should be deposited to the farmers’ bank accounts within 14 days after the sugarcane harvest is handed over to the factory owners. Still, millers failed to pay the dues. They are citing their inability to pay farmers the actual FRP due to the falling price of sugar and excessive sugar production.

Maharashtra Sugar Commissioner, Mr. Shekhar Gaikwad, said, “Mills have paid 98.38 per cent FRP. The administration is committed to make full FRP payment to sugarcane farmers. We have initiated action against mills to pay pending cane dues.”

This variety will help to increase sugarcane production

Kolhapur: Vasantdada Sugar Institute introduced sugarcane variety VSI 12121, which helps to increase sugarcane production. This variety will help farmers to earn more by cultivating sugarcane in the area available with them.

The variety was approved at a joint agricultural research and development committee meeting at Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Agricultural University. It was recommended for sugarcane growers. This variety grows faster and has a higher productivity rate than CO 86032. It grows in 12-14 months and is disease resistant. It can be planted in all three seasons, Pre-Seasonal, current seasonal and the Adsali season.

Features of VSI 12121 variety:
1. 18.85 per cent higher cane yield than CO 86032.
2. Good variety for jaggery production.
3. The average output of 141.24 tonnes per hector.
4. It is moderately resistant to red rot, red stripe and other diseases.
5)It can be a good use for fodder.

Sugar mill officer falls prey to cyber fraud

Gonda: From time to time, police run the campaign to make people aware of cyber fraud, but still victims fall in prey to the fraudsters. In a recent incident, the sugar mill officer from Uttar Pradesh gets conned by cyber-criminal.

Datoli police have registered a case under relevant sections of IPC against seven persons for allegedly cheating a sugar mill officer to the tune of Rs 8.89 lakh on the pretext of offering him foreign exchange.

According to senior division chief Krishnapal, on August 17 the officer came in contact with a woman through Bharat Matrimony who revealed her name as Anita Sannith. She sent him a parcel on August 25. When the package reached Mumbai, he was told that it contains foreign exchange and he needs to pay Rs 8.89 lakh to get delivery. Accordingly, he transferred the money to the account of the concerned courier office. One month passed after paying the money, but he did not receive any parcel. Realizing that he has been cheated, he lodged a complaint with the local police.

Letter sent to PM Modi and CM Yogi to start closed sugar mill

Chhata (Mathura): Sugarcane farmers in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aadityanath have urged them to revive the closed Chhata sugar mill. It is closed from the last seven years.

Vinod Kumar, president of the Dainik Yatri Sangharsh Samiti, said, “The sugar mill in the region was hope for the farmers and workers. The cane producers are waiting for the commencement of sugar mill. The closure of the mill has resulted into increase in unemployment in the region, and people have flocked to Palwal, Ballabgarh, Faridabad, Noida, and Delhi in search of news jobs. Starting the mill will generate employment as well as revenue to the government.”

Recently, Uttar Pradesh government announced a revival package of Rs 1,100 crore for two sugar mills in the eastern part of the state. According to the government, as many as 30,000 farmers will be benefitted with this project, and about 8500 direct/ indirect job opportunities will be created.

Sugarcane department official held for accepting bribe

Azamgarh: The Anti-Corruption Bureau unit from Gorakhpur arrested a clerk attached with Sugarcane office, Azamgarh while accepting the bribe from a retired employee to clear his file pertaining to pension and Provident Fund. The arrested accused identified as Rameshwar Chand. According to the reports, he had demanded a bribe of Rs 50,000 from the retired employee.

According to ACB officials, complainant Vijay Pratap Sinh retried as Sugarcane development inspector from the office on December 2016. He had applied for a pension. Chand, who was looking after the application, demanded Rs 50,000 for clearing his file. Sinh agreed to pay the amount and complained to ACB officials. On the basis of the Sinh’s complaint, ACB sleuths laid a trap to ban him red-handed. On Friday, Chand called Sinh with cash at a hotel in the town. After meeting Chand, Sinh handed money to him as per his demand. While Chand was accepting the cash, he was caught red-handed by ACB officials.

Sugar mills to make sugarcane juice packets

Gorakhpur: Sugarcane farmers who are in stress due to pending cane arrears will get respite as they are likely to see ‘good days’ soon, claims former minister in UP government, Radheshyam Singh. He said now mills in the state are not only producing sugar but also emphasizing on the production of ethanol and other things, which will aid in increasing the revenue of sugarcane farmers.

Addressing the sugarcane farmers’ workshop at Sugarcane Farmers Institute in Pipraich, he said, “The government is planning to uplift the sugarcane sector by producing products other than sugar that will help the cane producing farmers and improve their financial condition.”

“The government will also emphasize on the production of packaged cane juice which would be available in all the seasons,“ Singh further added.

Ramala Sugar Mill Workers Stage Demonstration

Bagpat: The employees from the Ramala cooperative sugar mill are protesting against the mill administration's decision to outsource the workers. This step will lay off jobs of 250 employees.

They have started agitation in the premises of the mill. BJP MLA from Bagpat, Yogesh Dhama, and Badaut's MLA K P Malik met workers and have stated that they will take up the issue to high command and ensure that they get justice. They assured that the future of 250 employees would not be affected and the issue will be put forward to District Magistrate and chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

Increase sugarcane price at Rs 435 per quintal: Sardar VM Singh

Muzaffarnagar: Sugarcane arrears has remained a major issue in Uttar Pradesh. Following which cane growers are staging demonstration and have also intensified their protest. They claim that their financial condition is worsening day-by-day as they have not received dues from mills. Farmers assert that they are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children.

Sugarcane growers also say that the cost of sugarcane production is increased, therefore there is a need to hike cane price. Addressing the agitating farmers in the premises of Titawi sugar mill, Sardar VM Singh, National President of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan said, “Farmers bear sugarcane cultivation cost Rs 290 per quintal. In view of the increasing cost, the sugarcane price should be hiked at Rs 435 per quintal. This will aid in reducing the burden on sugarcane farmers.”

In the month of July, Central government kept Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane unchanged at Rs 275 per quintal for 2019-20 crushing season for a basic recovery rate of 10 per cent as sugar mills in India claimed that they are finding it difficult to pay FRP of sugarcane as the average production cost of sugar is 35 to 36 rupees per kg as against the MSP of 31 rupees per kg.

Sugar mills in Maharashtra asked to pay interest on delayed payment or face seizure action

Pune: Sugar commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad has asked the sugar mills to pay 15 per cent interest on the delayed FRP payment to the sugarcane farmers. Gaikwad set 30 days deadline for the mills to submit their calculation of individual farmer dues. The commissioner asked mills to pay interest within three months. In case of non-payment of dues, mills will face the seizure action.

The case is not just in Maharashtra, even in Uttar Pradesh sugar mills were asked to pay interest on pending arrears. Recently, the Allahabad High Court had directed the Uttar Pradesh government to clear the cane dues with 15 per cent interest on it within a month. The court issued the order after hearing a petition filed by farmers from Uttar Pradesh. The Bench of Justice S K Gupta and Justice S S Shamshery passed the order on a plea filed by Jaypal Singh and another sugarcane farmers.

The Sugarcane Control Order of 1966 mandates payment of the FRP to the growers within 14 days of delivery of cane and 15 per cent interest on it if mill fails to adhere to the timeline. Sugar mill citing depressed sugar prices and scarcity of money as a reason in delay in clearing the sugarcane dues. Sugarcane farmers across India have intensified their protest over pending dues.

NSI’s one day national seminar on “Indian Sugars-Standardization and Quality Consideration”

One day national seminar on “Indian Sugars-Standardization and Quality Consideration” was held at NSI, Kanpur. The seminar was organized jointly by NSI-BIS and Marc Labs, Pune. The seminar was inaugurated by Dr. Sushil Solomon, Vice Chancellor, CSA University of Agriculture and Technology. Dr. Solomon in his address called upon the sugar industry to set up “Quality Management Circles” for control of parameters at various unit operations during sugar production so as to produce good quality sugar with lower inputs. In his key note address, Prof. Narendra Mohan, Director, NSI emphasized upon implementation of “Total Quality Management System” in sugar production for production of superior quality sugar considering its use in beverage, confectionery, bakery and pharma industry and also to satisfy the needs of common consumer. Presenting the HACCP model (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Model) for sugar industry, he said, it’s implementation shall not only improve quality and productivity but shall also help in addressing environment concerns.

Shri P Rajesh, Scientist, Bureau of Indian standards highlighted the importance of harmonization of Indian sugar standards with the global standards for quality improvement and ease to doing business. He also presented details regarding recently formulated Standards for some specialty sugars viz liquid sugar and demerara sugar etc. Dr. (Mrs) Vasudha Keskar, Managing Director, Marc Labs, Pune and Referee, International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis presented details of recent developments in analysis of sugars for various parameters. She stressed upon development and adoption of colour based monitoring system in sugar factories along with purity based monitoring system which will help in producing low colour sugars which can be sold at premium prices. She presented details of such “Sucroscan System” developed by her. Shri Mohit Kumar, STA of NSI, Kanpur also made a presentation on “Standard Operating Practices” to be followed for making good quality sugar at lower cost of production.

The programme was conducted by Dr. Ashutosh Bajpai, Professor Sugar Tech.

Sugarcane farmers associations demand hike in FRP

Chennai: The sugarcane farmers in the Tamil Nadu have demanded the FRP around Rs 400 crore for the season 2018-19, and State Advised Price (SAP) of Rs 1,200 crore from 2013-14 to 2016-17 be cleared immediately.

A high-level meeting pertaining to the sugar industry and sugarcane farmers of Tamil Nadu was held in presence of Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance. Cane growers, state government officials and representatives from various banks participated in the meeting.

They demanded a hike in FRP as Central government kept Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane unchanged at Rs 275 per quintal for 2019-20 crushing season for a basic recovery rate of 10 per cent. The sugarcane farmers associations asked the government to raise FRP of sugarcane from Rs 2,750 per tonne to Rs 4,000 per tonne for a recovery rate of 9.5 per cent.

Bharatiya Kisan Union stages demonstration outside sugarcane commissioner office

Lucknow: The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) staged a demonstration outside the office of sugarcane commissioner in Lucknow demanding pending cane dues and free electricity to farmers on Wednesday.

Akesh Tikai, BKU leader, said, “Sugarcane arrears of farmers should get clear immediately. The demonstration is to convey our message to the government.”

“Eight states provide free electricity to farmers, and we demand that the government should provide free electricity to farmers in UP,” he further added.

Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government has lodged FIRs against three defaulter mills- Simbholi, Modi and Yadu groups for not paying cane arrears. The sugar mills in the state are yet to pay over Rs 5,500 cane arrears to the farmers. And also the government set October 31 deadline for mills to clear the dues. Failing which, recovery certificates will be issued to them and arrears would be paid after selling sugar from their godowns.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath gives one week ultimatum to sugar mills

Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the sugar mills to pay the pending cane arrears of farmers within a week. He also asked the government officials to file cases against the millers in case of non-payment of cane dues. The Chief Minister gave these instructions at his residence during a meeting with the delegation of the Bhartiya Kisan Union on Wednesday.

The 9-member delegation led by Rakesh Tikait discussed the 21 points demand with the chief minister. Yogi assured them that the government would consider increasing the cane price during this crushing season.
Earlier the members of the organisation staged a demonstration at sugar commissioner’s office to press for their demand. Following this CM Yogi called them to discuss the issue at his office and issued instructions.

Earlier, sugarcane minister Suresh Rana while addressing a meeting in Shamali on Friday stated that the pending dues of farmers would be settled before October end. And If the mills failed to clear dues, then recovery certificates will be issued to them and dues would be paid after selling sugar from their godowns.

Tamil Nadu sugar industry seeks help from government

Chennai: Due to various reasons, Tamil Nadu sugar industry is in deep crisis, and they are awaiting financial assistance to come on track.
Sugar producers from Tamil Nadu have requested a relief package to come out of this grim situation. The representatives of South India Sugar Mills Association (SISMA) and cane producing farmers expressed their grievances during interaction with Finance ministry officials, bank representatives and state government officials.

The reduction in the cane cultivation area has resulted in mills not running with full capacity, pointed the SISMA officials. According to the reports, due to shortage of sugarcane in 2019-20 season 14 out of 25 private mills will only operate. They have demanded the restructuring of debt repayment and relief package for the sugar industry.

They stated that the industry is metamorphosing and it will take 18 months to relieve from stress cycle. RBI and Banks have been requested to consider fresh loans and restructuring. Farmers expressed grievances over inadequate rainfall, consistent drought, reduced production, and mounting debt. They stated that this has affected their other financial sources. They requested for a special relief package.

Recently, Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had assured Tamil Nadu sugar industry to revive when she met the representatives of the sugar sector in Chennai. She had promised to arrange a meeting with RBI and banks, where they can discuss and find a solution to uplift the sugar industry. The industry is hoping sops after assurance from Finance Minister.

Sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh to make sulphurless sugar

Lucknow: September 25, 2019: The Uttar Pradesh Government has recommended the cost of Rs. 31,408.91 lakh for setting up a sugar mill of 3500 TCD (expandable up to 5000 TCD capacity) and 18 MW co-gen in UP State Sugar and Cane Development Corporation Limited’s (UPSCDCL) Sugar Mill situated in Munderva of Basti district. Along with setting up of sugar mill and co-gen plant, in the crushing season 2018-19, the trial operation of the sugar mill had been conducted in April last. During setting up of this project, an arrangement has also been made to prepare sulphurless sugar in the sugar mill. The cabinet also decided to increase capacity of Pipraich sugar mill, and even it will make sulphurless sugar.

It has estimated the revised cost to be Rs. 43,887.70 lakh for setting up new sugar mill of 5000 TCD capacity (expandable up to 7500 TCDS capacity) and co- gen plant of 27 MW and refinery- sulphur-less sugar plant in Munderva of Basti district. The expenditure on this project will be given cent percent by the State Government in the form of loan.

Setting up of this project will give financial benefits and export of sugar in global market would be possible with the production of sulphur-less sugar. As many as 30,000 farmers will be benefitted with this project and about 8500 direct/ indirect job opportunities will be created.

Government to receive lower GST collection on sugar

Pune: Heavy rain in Pune, Sangli, Satara and Kolhapur districts, the sugar belt of Maharashtra, have majorly hit the sugarcane crops. Also, farmers have uprooted sugarcane in the severely drought-affected regions of the state to feed their animals as other green fodders were not available. In Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Khandesh sugarcane have been diverted as a fooder. Following the floods and drought in the state, sugar output is likely to hit. According to the industry estimates, sugar production in the state for season 2019-2020 is expected to remain at 65 LMT as against 107 LMT in season 2018-2019.

With the decline in sugar output, the government may witness a reduction in GST revenue from the sugar industry. As compared to the previous season, the government is expected to receive Rs 650 crore less GST in sugar season 2019-2020.

Not just Maharashtra, even Karnataka faced the flood fury which caused harm to sugarcane crop, and ultimately it will low down the sugar production in the state. So, the overall government may see a downfall in GST revenue.

Uttar Pradesh government to revive Pipraich sugar mill

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Government has recommended the cost of Rs. 40089.67 lakh estimated for setting up a new sugar mill of 3500 TCD (expandable up to 5000 TCD capacity) and 18 MW co-gen plant and distillery of 60 KLPD in UP State Sugar and Cane Development Corporation Limited’s (UPSCDCL) Pipraich Sugar Mill. The UPSCDCL is an ancillary unit of The UP State Sugar Corporation Limited. Along with setting up of sugar mill and co-gen plant, in the crushing season, 2018- 19, the trial operation of the sugar mill had been conducted in April last.

During setting up of this project, an arrangement has also been made to prepare sulphur-less sugar in the sugar mill. It has estimated the revised cost to be Rs. 65,796.96 lakh for setting up new sugar mill of 5000 TCD capacity (expandable up to 7500 TCDS capacity) and co-gen plant of 27 MW, refinery-sulphur-less sugar plant and distillery plant of 120 KLPD (based on sugarcane juice and molasses) in the sugar mill situated in Pipraich of Gorakhpur district. The expenditure on this project will be given cent percent by the State Government in the form of loan.

Setting up of this project will give financial benefits and export of sugar in global market would be possible with the production of sulphur-less sugar. As many as 30,000 farmers will be benefitted with this project and about 8500 direct/ indirect job opportunities will be created.

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Revival policy for closed sugar mills soon

New Delhi: Government is mulling to revive the closed sugar mills by starting the ethanol production by using their land. Union minister Nitin Gadkari stated that government is framing a policy to use the land of the closed sugar mills to produce ethanol from sugar, sugarcane juice and molasses. A policy will be framed soon.

Gadkari said, “The plant can be set up on the 5-6 acres of land of the closed mill. The turnover of the ethanol sector may reach up to Rs 1 lakh crore from about Rs 25,000 crore, and it can reduce the annual crude import of Rs 7 lakh crore.”

Gadkari believes ethanol production through sugar will aid in boosting the economy of sugarcane-producing states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Haryana, and Punjab.

Recently, the government increased the price of ethanol from C heavy molasses from Rs.43.46 per litre to Rs.43.75 per litre, and the price of ethanol from B heavy molasses hiked from Rs.52.43 per litre to Rs.54.27 per litre. Price of ethanol from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup route was fixed at 59.48 per litre.

The Central government has the vision to achieve 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol by 2030 and is moving in the same direction. Experts believe the production of ethanol will aid sugar mills to improve the financial condition as they are struggling with depressed sugar prices, surplus stocks and piling cane arrears.

Vaidyanath sugar mill pays workers pending dues

Mumbai: The pending salaries of employees from Vaidyanath Cooperative Sugar Factory, managed by minister Pankaja Munde was transferred to their bank accounts immediately after the assembly election date was announced. The employees were waiting for 13 month’s salary. Munde, chairman of the mill, had assured to look into the matter by September.

The workers had launched an agitation and sat on a hunger strike to press for their demand. Leader of the opposition Dhananjay Munde had met them and supported their cause. He twitted that the government should look into the matter immediately. Following his tweet, the salaries of workers were deposited in their respective accounts.

Pankaja alleged that the agitating workers belong to NCP and said that she had promised that the workers will get their dues by September end and there was no need to launch an agitation.

Case registered against Simbhaoli sugar mill

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh government is in its full action mode to make sure that sugar mills clear the pending cane arrears. Issuing warning against the defaulter sugar mills, the state has set a deadline of October 31 to pay all the arrears of sugarcane farmers.

In the latest action over, UP police have registered a case against the Simbhaoli Sugars Limited over unpaid dues.

Assistant Superintendent of Police, Sarvesh Mishra said, “Sugarcane farmers filed a complaint against the mill. Even after repeated directions sugar mill has not paid sugarcane farmers; therefore, a case has been registered against Simbhaoli sugar mill.”

Gursimran Kaur, Managing Director of Simbhaoli Sugar Mill, were among the five company officials named in the FIR under sections of the Indian Penal Code along with sections of the Essential Commodities Act.

Farmers alleged in a complaint that they should get 85 per cent of the amount collected by the sugar mill from selling sugar but they were not given the same.

Sugarcane minister Suresh Rana while addressing a meeting in Shamali on Friday stated that the pending dues of farmers would be settled before October end. And If the mills failed to clear dues, then recovery certificates will be issued to them and dues would be paid after selling sugar from their godowns.

Recently, acting on a PIL filed by two farmers, the Allahabad High Court on Wednesday had instructed state government to clear dues of cane growers within a month. The petitioners have stated that they had borrowed loans from banks to grow the crop but are not in a position to repay as their dues are pending with mills.

Sugar mills in India set to start exports to China, Iran in October

New Delhi: Sugar season is round the corner, and mills in India are leaving no stone unturned to lock in deals with buyers to commence sugar export. According to the reports, Indian mills are likely to export Iran, China, and other countries from October 1. Sugar mills in India are eyeing to export sugar surplus in a bid to reduce the glut. Also producers are in talks with importers in West Asia, East Africa, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

To reduce the sugar surplus, the government last month announced 60 lakh sugar export subsidy for 2019-20 sugar season. The policy involves an export subsidy of Rs 10,448 per metric tonne (mt) to sugar mills. The total estimated expenditure government will bear Rs 6268 crore.

Experts believe sugar mills will try to export surplus sugar until April when supplies from Brazil start to flood the market.

While Indian sugar mills are happy with the export, other rival countries are apprehensive that higher exports from India may put further pressure on global prices. Many rival countries had already objected to India’s sugar subsidies. Claiming India’s subsidies are inconsistent with the WTO obligations and distorting the global sugar market Brazil, Australia and Guatemala had knocked the door of World Trade Organization. Following which on August 15, WTO sets up adjudicatory panel over the issue.

The Indian government had introduced various measures, including sugar export subsidy as the sugar sector is suffering from various hurdles from the last two to three years. Sugar surplus in the country causing harm to the industry, so the shipments will help to reduce the sugar glut in India.

Haryana government takes control of ailing Naraingarh sugar mill

Ambala: The state government has taken charge of the ailing Naraingarh sugar mill as the mill failed to pay cane to sugarcane farmers. The private mill had also not paid salaries of over 400 employees from the last few months, and therefore protest was launched against the mill. Following which the government comes to rescue.

Aditi, Naraingarh SDM stated that Ambala deputy commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma has been made the chairman of the mill and the Managing Director of the Harco Bank will be the director (finance) of the mill.

Rs 38 crore was transferred to the farmers’ bank accounts on Saturday and so far dues around Rs 43 crore out of Rs 79.5 crore was cleared.

In the month of August, sugarcane farmers, who gave their sugarcane to the private sugar mill in Ambala, had intensified their protest due to non-payment of cane arrears. They staged a demonstration outside the sugar factory demanding mill to pay the dues of the 2018-2019 season at the earliest. The stir came to an end when Haryana cabinet announced the financial help to Naraingarh sugar mill.

Uttar Pradesh: FIR against sugar mills as cane arrears stand at Rs 5,500 crore

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has lodged FIRs against three defaulter mills- Simbholi, Modi and Yadu groups for not paying cane arrears. The sugar mills in the state are yet to pay Rs 5,500 cane arrears to the farmers.

According to the Commissioner, Sugar and Cane, Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy, FIRs have been lodged against owners of the three mills under section 3/7 of Essential Commodities Act and relevant sections of CrPC.

Bhoosreddy said, “Umesh Modi of Modinagar group, Simran Kaur Mann of Simbhaoli group and Kunal Yadav of Yadu group will be arrested soon. The government has issued recovery certificates (RCs) against those sugar mills having huge cane arrears,”.

“As per the rule, the mills should clear 85% of the dues after selling sugar but it was found that these mills instead of paying farmers have diverted the money from sugar sales to other heads,” he further added.

Uttar Pradesh government has set October 31 deadline to clear cane dues. Sugarcane minister Suresh Rana while addressing a meeting in Shamali on Friday stated that the pending dues of farmers would be settled before October end. And If the mills failed to clear dues, then recovery certificates will be issued to them and dues would be paid after selling sugar from their godowns.

Sugar mills in Maharashtra may delay in commencing cane crushing

Kolhapur: The state assembly elections scheduled on October 21 are likely to affect the cane crushing season this year. The mills are expected to commence cane crushing in November after Diwali. The farmers are demanding to start crushing earlier as their crops have been severely damaged and early crushing would help them to crush available sugarcane.

The heavy rainfall has affected the cane crop in South Maharashtra with some crops partially submerged and some fully submerged underwater. According to experts, the cane producers can expect some benefits from the partially submerged cane.

The cane cutters will be available for cutting cane crop after Diwali ends. Experts believe that the millers are in no mood to start crushing till the elections get complete as the majority of the mills are associated with politicians, and they will be busy in an election campaign.

The sugar commissionerate has extended the last date for obtaining crushing license to give mills more time to prepare for crushing. It is extended to September 30 from the earlier deadline of August 30.

Heavy rain in Pune, Sangli, Satara and Kolhapur districts, the sugar belt of Maharashtra, have majorly hit the sugarcane crops. With the harm to sugarcane, it may also impact the sugar output in the state.

Farmers call off protest after Modi government accepts their five demands

Noida/ New Delhi: Sugarcane farmers from Uttar Pradesh have called off their agitation after Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government accepted their 5 out of 15 demands. The farmers had launched long march from Uttar Pradesh to National capital New Delhi to press for their demands.

The agitators were obstructed at the entrance of Delhi where they were demanding that the government should either accept their demand or let them go to the Kisan Ghat. According to Bharatiya Kisan Sangathan spokesperson Lalit Rana, “A delegation of the farmers met Joint Secretary in the Union Agriculture Ministry Vivek Agarwal who accepted our five demands including early payment of cane dues and appointment of a representative of farmers on the committee to fix minimum prices of crops.”

Following the assurance, farmers withdraw their agitation. Delhi witnessed heavy traffic jam due to the agitation.

Now welfare board for sugarcane workers

Mumbai: The workers working in the sugarcane sector will get financial security as the state government has launched a welfare board for them. The move, ahead of the assembly election, will help workers to get benefits like Employee’s Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).

Last week, the state labour department formed the board and appointed Keshavrao Andhale as a chairman. According to the reports, details about its functioning will be decided soon.

The motive behind setting up the board is to provide financial aid and improve the standard of living of sugarcane workers. As many as 8 lakh workers are engaged in sugar mills in the state doing works like sugarcane cutting, harvesting, and transportation. The board has demanded Rs 140 crore from the government to launch various welfare scheme.

Bijnor sugarcane farmers to get around Rs 40 crore interest on pending arrears

Bijnor: Allahabad High Court had directed the Uttar Pradesh government to clear the cane dues with 15 per cent interest on it within a month. With this decision sugarcane farmers in the state have received a big relief. Speaking about cane growers from Bijnor district, they are likely to get around 40 crore Rs from sugar mills as an interest.

In Bijnor district, 3.42 lakh farmers are associated with cane agriculture. They had sold sugarcane worth 3136 Rs crore last year. The millers are yet to pay 375 Rs crore to farmers.

The Sugarcane Control Order of 1966 mandates payment of the FRP to the growers within 14 days of delivery of cane and 15 per cent interest on it if they fail to adhere to the timeline. There are nine sugar mills in the district. The district administration has issued an order to the mills to pay the dues along with interest on it.

Interest to be paid by the sugar mill (In crores)
Dhampur: 3.26
Seohara: 1.99
Bilai: 12.76
Bahadarpur: 1.84
Barkatpur: 7.14
Bundki: 1.97
Chandpur: 4.90
Bijnor: 4.56
Najibabad: 1.30
Total: 39.75

45 lakh metric tonne sugarcane damaged in Kolhapur division

Kolhapur: Sugarcane producing farmers have faced nature’s wrath due to recent floods which have damaged 45 lakh metric tonne of the crop in Kolhapur division which includes 30 lakh tonne from Kolhapur district and 15 lakh tonne from Sangli district.

Sugar commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad conducted a meeting of representatives of private and co-operative sugar mills on Friday to discuss the present scenario of the crop. Earlier, it was estimated135 lakh tonne sugarcane production in Kolhapur, which is now reduced to 105 lakh tonne. The cane production forecast in Sangli district decreased to 67 lakh tonne from 82 lakh tonne.

During the meeting, the millers urged that less affected sugarcane should be taken up for crushing immediately. For this, sugar mills from Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara and Pune districts have demanded to start crushing season early. Also, it has been discussed that if mills in state delays in operation then Karnataka, where sugarcane crop damaged because of flood, can buy fresh sugarcane from Maharashtra’s sugar mills. So this will ultimately affect the sugar mills in the state.

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Uttar Pradesh sugar mills get October 31 deadline

Muzaffarnagar: Issuing warning against the defaulter sugar mills, UP government has set a deadline of October 31 to pay all the arrears of sugarcane farmers.

Sugarcane minister Suresh Rana while addressing a meeting in Shamali on Friday stated that the pending dues of farmers would be settled before October end. And If the mills failed to clear dues, then recovery certificates will be issued to them and dues would be paid after selling sugar from their godowns.

Acting on a PIL filed by two farmers, the Allahabad High Court on Wednesday has instructed state government to clear dues of cane growers within a month. The petitioners have stated that they had borrowed loans from banks to grow the crop but are not in a position to repay as their dues are pending with mills.

Rana stated that the government is taking steps to ensure that the mills pay farmers their dues. Some mills have paid 100 per cent dues and remaining are in process to pay total arrears.

Scared of government’s action UP mills pay 450 crore rupees in 4 days

The millers from Uttar Pradesh have paid cane arrears around Rs 450 crore to farmers in 4 days after the state government warned action against the defaulter sugar mills.

Sanjay R Bhoosreddy, commissioner, sugar and cane said, “The millers acted on our warning and have paid the amount in 4 days. Equal amount is expected to be disbursed within the next four days. Around 20 mills will be paying Rs 500 crore to the farmers and the management of these mills have assured the government about the 100 per cent payment to farmers.”

Recently, the Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to clear the cane dues with 15 per cent interest on it within a month. The court issued the order after hearing a petition filed by farmers from Uttar Pradesh.

Sugar mills so far have paid 27,460 crore rupees against the total sugarcane arrears of 33,048 crore rupees in sugar season 2018-19. Earlier, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath set August 31 deadline for sugar mills to clear cane dues. But in spite of that mills failed to pay the arrears citing financial scarcity.

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Future of Goa’s Sanjivani sugar mill workers and farmers is at stake

Panaji: With each passing days, some new developments are emerging related to the functioning of the Sanjivani sugar factory. Now, according to the reports, the government has decided to examine its feasibility for a while longer, as other options are explored.

Media reports suggest that, at a recent meeting attended by the agriculture minister, MLAs and sugarcane farmers, it was decided to examine the feasibility of the factory. Government, after studying the possibility of continuing the factory will take any decision related to the mill.

Cane growers have assured of producing more sugarcane so that mill can run in its full capacity. Mill requires 1 lakh metric tonnes (MT) sugarcane to run in full capacity, whereas cane production is up to 20,000 MT. The scarcity of sugarcane had affected the mill functioning in the past.

Earlier, the government had decided not to commence production this year. Cooperation minister Govind Gaude had stated that sugar mill will not operate this season. Maintenance cost for the sugar mill is estimated at Rs 6 crore, and investing such a big amount to run the mill is not feasible.

The Sanjivani sugar mill has registered a loss of Rs 101.22 crore due to unavailability of sugarcane and various reason. According to the reports, if the crisis continues, then alternative products such as ethanol would be considered as a replacement.

The government made sure that sugarcane produced by farmers will be bought at the market price. State chief minister Pramod Sawant had assured farmers that those who produce sugarcane this season would not incur any loss. The government will purchase their sugarcane and supply it to the sugar mills in other states, besides providing support price to these farmers.

Local politicians in the state warned the government over factory closure and threatened to agitate along with farmers on the streets of Panjim if government closes the factory.

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Moradabad sugar mills owe Rs 800 crore to sugarcane farmers

Moradabad: Despite the warning issued by chief minister Yogi Adityanath, 22 mills from Moradabad division are yet to clear sugarcane arrears around Rs 800 crore. Sugarcane farmers in Uttar Pradesh have intensified their protest over pending cane dues, but in spite of that mills failed to pay the dues.

Chandpur mill from Bijnaur district has paid only 50 per cent arrears which is lowest in the region. Sugarcane farmers are worried as their past dues have not been cleared yet, and the new season is about to commence from the week of November.

UP government tried to pressurize the millers to pay cane arrears but could not succeed in it. By warning of stern action, Yogi Adityanath set August 31 deadline for sugar mills to clear the dues, but even that was flouted by the mill citing financial scarcity.

Now farmers are hoping that they will get their arrears soon as Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to clear the cane dues with 15 per cent interest on it within a month.

After 20 years, India to host International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists Congress

The Sugar Technologists’ Association of India (STAI) has been awarded to host the prestigious XXXI Congress of ISSCT in India – 2022. During the XXX ISSCT Congress held at Tucuman, Argentina from 02 Sept. 2019, STAI made a successful bid to host the XXXI Congress in India. The International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ISSCT) is an association of scientists, technologists, managers, institutions and companies concerned with the technical advancement of the cane sugar industry and its co products. It has been in existence for 95 years during which it has organized 30 Congresses of its member countries.

ISSCT Congress is attended by more than 1000 sugar producing countries of the world with the world renowned technologists besides business opportunities in respect of capital investments, infrastructural development etc. India today is not only the largest sugar producing country in the world but also a dominant player in the world sugar equipment market dominated by the Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

In conversation with ChiniMandi.com, Mr.Sanjay Awasthi, President of STAI expressed his views on the golden opportunity, “I have pleasure in sharing that the Indian sugar equipment menu particularly the boiler manufacturers are amongst world leaders. Hosting of the XXXI ISSCT Congress in India will provide a good opportunity to our equipment manufacturers and technocrats to interact with the renowned equipment manufacturers in their segment. The event will pave many new horizons for India to mark itself as a leader in the global map.”

Sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh to commence cane crushing from November

Lucknow: Sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh will start crushing operations from the first week of November, said state Cabinet Minister Chetan Chauhan. Sugarcane farmers are yet to receive their pending arrears around Rs 6000 crore; therefore Chauhan directed the mills to clear the dues before the commencement of the season.

Cane growers have intensified their protest for pending arrears, and in spite of multiple warnings from the government, mills failed to clear the dues.

Sugarcane farmers in the state are worried as their past dues have not been cleared yet, and the new season is about to commence soon. They claim that their financial condition is worsening day-by-day as they have not received dues from mills. Farmers assert that they are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children.

Over the pending arrears issues, sugarcane farmers knocked the door of court. Following which, recently, Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to clear the cane dues with 15 per cent interest on it within a month. The petitioners had claimed that after taking a loan from the bank they had cultivated sugarcane, but due to non-payment of their dues, it has become difficult for them to repay the loans.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath set August 31 deadline for sugar mills to clear cane dues. But in spite of that mills failed to pay the arrears citing financial scarcity.

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Fixed MSP throughout India benefitted Uttar Pradesh: Satyashil Sherkar

Pune: The Central government’s decision of fixing minimum selling price (MSP) of sugar at Rs 31 per kg throughout India has benefitted a state like Uttar Pradesh. As a result, UP supplies sugar all over India, and Maharashtra mills faced sugar glut. Due to which mills in the state are unable to sell the stock, and interest burden on sugar is increasing day by day, said Satyashil Sherkar, chairman of Shree Viighnahar co-operative sugar mill. He was speaking at the AGM of the sugar mill held on September 18.

Well, this is not the first time a question is raised on the fixed MSP. Earlier, The Maharashtra State Cooperative Sugar Factories Federation had urged the Centre to look at a differential MSP mechanism for mills in north, west and south India.

The government on February 14, 2019, hiked the minimum selling price of sugar by Rs 2 per kg from Rs 29 to Rs 31 to help millers clear farmers’ dues.

Addressing the gathering, Sherkar said, “Government declared the number of schemes like subsidy on buffer stock, subsidy on sugar export, but the millers do not get the subsidy on time. Now, we expect the sugar export subsidy soon.

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Tamil Nadu: Half of private sugar mills may not commence operations in upcoming season

Chennai: Sugarcane shortage and the liquidity crunch will affect sugar mills in Tamil Nadu. According to South India Sugar Mills Association (SISMA), at least 14 out of 25 sugar mills from the private sector will not start operations in sugar season 2019-20.

Current sugar season 2018-19 coming to an end, and Tamil Nadu has produced 8.83 lakh tonnes of sugar, which is just one-third of its established capacity.

Drought in the state has impacted the sugarcane production. The cane shortage has affected the mills as many were forced to shut it. Drought impact is likely to persist in season 2019-2020 too.

According to Palani G Perasamy, president of SISMA, “14 out of 25 private sugar mills in the state will not take up cane crushing due to cane shortage and financial scarcity.”

Due to various reasons, Tamil Nadu sugar industry is in deep crisis, and since long is asking for financial assistance to come on track. Recently, Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had assured Tamil Nadu sugar industry to revive when she met the representatives of the sugar sector in Chennai. She had promised to arrange a meeting with RBI and banks, where they can discuss and find a solution to uplift the sugar industry. The industry is hoping sops after assurance from Finance Minister.

Farmers burn sugarcane in protest against sugar mill

Tulsipur: Sugarcane farmers have intensified their protest against Tulsipur sugar mill alleging that mill management has provided seeds of the wrong sugarcane variety, due to which crop has dried up in the field. To mark their protest against mill, cane growers have burnt their dried sugarcane crop.

Sugarcane farmers are seeking action against the sugar mill, for which they complained to the DCO. Following which DCO has assured of action after conducting an inquiry into the matter.

Sugarcane farmers of Dundra village alleged that the sugar mill employees have forcibly given the seeds of sugarcane variety Co-0238 and 239. At the time of planting, the farmers were told that these species are high yielding and will give bumper produce but when it was sown in the field, the sugarcane has dried in the field only a few days later. Farmers claim they suffer huge loss and warned of launching the agitation if the mill fails to compensate the loss.

Allahabad High Court asks Uttar Pradesh government to clear sugarcane arrears

Lucknow: In a big relief to sugarcane farmers, the Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to clear the cane dues with 15% interest on it within a month. The court issued the order after hearing a petition filed by farmers from Uttar Pradesh. The Bench of Justice S K Gupta and Justice S S Shamshery passed the order on a plea filed by Jaypal Singh and another sugarcane farmers.

The petitioners had claimed that after taking a loan from the bank they had cultivated sugarcane, but due to non-payment of their dues, it has become difficult for them to repay the loans.

The HC stated that as per the UP Sugarcane Supply Act, it is mandatory to pay the cane growers their dues within 14 days and interest on the amount if not paid dues within the stipulated time period. Despite this the concerned authorities are not acting is a cause of concern. The court also directed to provide a copy of the order to the authorities for compliance.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath set August 31 deadline for sugar mills to clear cane dues. But in spite of that mills failed to pay the arrears citing financial scarcity.

Tamil Nadu: Half of private sugar mills may not commence operations in upcoming season

Chennai: Sugarcane shortage and the liquidity crunch will affect sugar mills in Tamil Nadu. According to South India Sugar Mills Association (SISMA), at least 14 out of 25 sugar mills from the private sector will not start operations in sugar season 2019-20.

Current sugar season 2018-19 coming to an end, and Tamil Nadu has produced 8.83 lakh tonnes of sugar, which is just one-third of its established capacity.

Drought in the state has impacted the sugarcane production. The cane shortage has affected the mills as many were forced to shut it. Drought impact is likely to persist in season 2019-2020 too.

According to Palani G Perasamy, president of SISMA, “14 out of 25 private sugar mills in the state will not take up cane crushing due to cane shortage and financial scarcity.”

Due to various reasons, Tamil Nadu sugar industry is in deep crisis, and since long is asking for financial assistance to come on track. Recently, Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had assured Tamil Nadu sugar industry to revive when she met the representatives of the sugar sector in Chennai. She had promised to arrange a meeting with RBI and banks, where they can discuss and find a solution to uplift the sugar industry. The industry is hoping sops after assurance from Finance Minister.

Farmers burn sugarcane in protest against sugar mill

Tulsipur: Sugarcane farmers have intensified their protest against Tulsipur sugar mill alleging that mill management has provided seeds of the wrong sugarcane variety, due to which crop has dried up in the field. To mark their protest against mill, cane growers have burnt their dried sugarcane crop.

Sugarcane farmers are seeking action against the sugar mill, for which they complained to the DCO. Following which DCO has assured of action after conducting an inquiry into the matter.

Sugarcane farmers of Dundra village alleged that the sugar mill employees have forcibly given the seeds of sugarcane variety Co-0238 and 239. At the time of planting, the farmers were told that these species are high yielding and will give bumper produce but when it was sown in the field, the sugarcane has dried in the field only a few days later. Farmers claim they suffer huge loss and warned of launching the agitation if the mill fails to compensate the loss.

Sugarcane farmers await payment of dues

Dehradun: Farmers who gave sugarcane to Iqbalpur sugar mill are in big trouble as yet they are yet to receive pending cane arrears. Despite agitation by the farmers many times, the mill failed to clear the cane dues. To make payment for cane arrears, administration while taking action decided to make sugar auction. But in spite of that, sugar auction failed many time.

Sugar mill owes sugarcane arrears around Rs 180 crore. The arrears are pending with the mill from the last two years.

According to the media report, the Bhagwanpur tehsil, which has the responsibility of doing sugar auction, has yet not received any orders regarding the auction. Therefore it is still ambiguous when sugar auction will take place. Several months ago, the department issued RC of Iqbalpur sugar mill and ordered the officials of Bhagwanpur tehsil to auction the sugar.

As sugar mills are suffering from financial scarcity, Central government introduced various measures for them. Recently, with an aim to reduce the sugar surplus and low down cane arrears, the government has approved the sugar export subsidy. Sugar mills across India claim that due to depressed sugar prices and sugar surplus they are facing financial crunch and therefore are unable to clear the cane dues.

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Fire breaks out at sugar mill in Maharashtra

Shirur: A massive fire broke out at Raosahebdada Pawar Ghodganga Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd in Shirur taluka on Wednesday. The reason of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

According to reports, the fire took place around 12:30 pm today, following which the fire brigade was informed. Soon, three fire brigade teams rushed to the spot and managed to douse the fire.

According to eyewitnesses, a sudden fire broke out at the Bagas depot adjacent to the power generation project. It is being estimated that fire has caused a huge loss. Further investigation is underway. The authorities are busy in ascertaining the loss caused by the fire and the reason behind it.

Punjab government releases Rs 27 crore sugarcane dues

Ludhiana: In a big relief to sugarcane farmers, Punjab government cleared sugarcane arrears amounting to Rs 27 crore for the year 2017-18 and 2018-19. Pending arrears of Rs 65 lakh of 23 sugarcane farmers of Dakha area were also cleared yesterday.

Regarding this, a special programme was organized on the premises of the Budhewal Cooperative Sugar Mills. Authorities disbursed the pending dues to the sugarcane farmers of Dakha area. District Congress Committee (Rural) President Karanjit Singh Galib was the chief guest during the event.

Addressing the gathering, Galib said, “The government under the leadership of Capt. Amarinder Singh is doing its best for the betterment of farmers and has launched several schemes which are welcomed by farmers.”

Suresh Kumar Kureel, GM of The Budhewal Cooperative Sugar Mills Ltd said the dues for the year 2017-18 and 2018-19 had been cleared by the state government.

Warning of agitation if Ajara sugar mill fails to start operation

Ajara: The cane cutters and transporters have threatened to launch an agitation from September 25 if the Ajara cooperative sugar mill fails to start operation.

Vishwas Patil, the agitating member, said, “The cane cutters and transporters are yet to receive Rs 5.50 crore from the mill administration. The administration is planning to not to take up cane crushing this year. If this happens, not only cane cutters but the cane producing farmers will face financial problems.”

The cane cutters set a deadline of September 25 for sugar mill administration and warned of agitation.

The Central government had introduced various measures, hike in the MSP of sugar, soft loan scheme, and others to help millers to overcome financial distress. But, sugar mills say that they are suffering from financial scarcity due to surplus sugar and depressed sugar prices.

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Protest intensifies in Uttar Pradesh over sugarcane dues

Bijnor: Sugarcane farmers from Bijnor district have been protesting at district collectorate for pending sugarcane arrears from last 15 days. On Tuesday, farmers gathered under the leadership of Sardar VM Singh, president of Rashtriya Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan, at St. Mary’s Crossroad and launched their agitation for pending cane dues.

Addressing the gathering, Singh said, “CM Adityanath is busy in celebrating the birthday of PM Narendra Modi. On this occasion, either pay us our dues or lathicharge us to drive away from collectorate. We will not disperse till we get our pending arrears. Farmers know that they have to fight for their dues against government and millers.”

To pacify the situation, the government officials met the agitating farmers in the collectorate premises and informed that the government has initiated action against the millers that have not paid cane arrears.

Reacting on the assurance, Singh said, “The action will not benefit farmers, and they want the pending arrears with interest.”

There are as many as 3 lakh cane producing farmers in the district. Out of nine mills in the district, six mills are yet to pay arrears around Rs 400 crore.

Keeping in view the delay in the payment clearing process, the CM Yogi Adityanath strictly instructed the officials that all the dues of cane growers should be paid by August 31. But, still, sugar mills citing financial scarcity failed to clear the cane dues.

Indonesia to import sugar from India

New Delhi: With an aim to reduce the trade deficit between two sides, Indonesia has decided to import sugar and rice from India. According to the reports, this move will push trade volume to $50 billion by 2025.

Earlier Indonesia had asked India to cut its tariff on refined palm oil matching the levy faced by rival producer Malaysia, and offered market access for Indian sugar in exchange.

On Monday, the Embassy of India, Jakarta, in partnership with the Ministry of Trade of Government of Indonesia, jointly hosted a Multi-Product Road Show, focusing on exports of Sugar, Bovine Meat, Rice from India to Indonesia.

During the session, Ambassador of India Pradeep Kumar Rawat urged both the countries on trade of focused items such as bovine meat, sugar and rice.

India is saddled with the surplus sugar stocks and looking for a new market to liquidate the domestic glut. In a bid to aid the sugar sector, the Indian government last month announced 60 lakh sugar export subsidy for 2019-20 sugar season. The policy involves an export subsidy of Rs 10,448 per metric tonne (mt) to sugar mills. The total estimated expenditure government will bear Rs 6268 crore. Sugar surplus in the country causing harm to the sector, so the shipments to Indonesia will help reduce the sugar glut in India.

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Three arrested for murdering sugar trader

Rohtas: Bikramganj police arrested three criminals for allegedly involved in murdering a sugar trader from Dharapur village. One Desi Katta, two live cartridges, six mobile phones along with three wallets have been recovered from the arrested criminals.

Victim Amit Kumar was shot dead and cash Rs 3.5 lakh from him was looted by a gang of criminals at Hanumangarhi in Rohtas district on June 13. The case was lodged at Nasriganj police station. The police had launched the search operation to nab the culprits involved in the crime and acting on a tip-off arrested them from their hideouts in Dharapur village. The trio has confessed of committing a crime, said police.

Rail incentives to boost sugar industry

New Delhi: In order to provide support to the sugar industry, the Railways has decided to give freight incentives including cancellation of 5 per cent “Supplementary Charges” and continuation of 15 per cent relaxation to the sugar transport for the next few months.

Railway usually levies Busy Season Charge (BSC) of 15 per cent between October 1 to June 30 every year on transportation, which it has decided to defer. It has also decided to defer an additional 5 per cent “Supplementary Charges” on the mini and two-point rake. The rainy season is considered a lean period in the transport sector and railway reduces 15 per cent in freight charges for three months including July, August, and September. The railway has decided to continue the relaxation for the month of October also.

In recent times, due to the availability of trucks and other means to transport sugar, the railway witnessed a decline in revenue, so by reducing the cost of transportation railway will also try to make money. With these incentives, the sugar industry is likely to get some relief.

Sugarcane farmers threaten to agitate over pending cane arrears

Vita: Farmers from Vita taluka have threatened to agitate for their pending cane arrears from last three years. Cane growers gathered under the banner of Shetkari Sena organised a morcha at Vita tehsil office and submitted the memorandum of their demands threatening to organise Rasta Roko if the government fails to act on their demand. Farmers have set September 18 deadline to clear cane dues.

Assembly election is round the corner, and politicians will not take the risk to make farmers angry, so they may push the mills in clearing the dues.

Sugarcane farmers claim that their financial condition is worsening day-by-day as they have not received dues from mills. Farmers assert that they are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children.

The Central government had introduced various measures, hike in the MSP of sugar, soft loan scheme, and others to help millers clear mounting sugarcane dues. But, sugar mills failed to clear it, citing surplus sugar and depressed sugar prices.

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2G ethanol plant to be set up in Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will lay the foundation stone of the first-ever second-generation ethanol plant at Gorakhpur on Wednesday. Authorities are inspecting here from time to time to make sure everything goes as planned. The plant will produce ethanol directly from crushing the sugarcane.

The plant will help thousands of farmers in the vicinity as agricultural residues such as sugarcane by-products and others will be used to produce biofuel.

Recently, the government increased the price of ethanol from C heavy molasses from Rs.43.46 per litre to Rs.43.75 per litre, and the price of ethanol from B heavy molasses hiked from Rs.52.43 per litre to Rs.54.27 per litre. Price of ethanol from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup route was fixed at 59.48 per litre.

Millers in India are struggling because of unsold stocks. Therefore, the government is focusing on ethanol production to strengthen the financial condition of sugar mills. The Central government has the vision to achieve 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol by 2030 and is moving in the same direction. Experts believe the production of ethanol will aid sugar mills to improve the financial condition as they are struggling with depressed sugar prices, surplus stocks and piling cane arrears.

Sugarcane farmers threaten to agitate over pending cane arrears

Vita: Farmers from Vita taluka have threatened to agitate for their pending cane arrears from last three years. Cane growers gathered under the banner of Shetkari Sena organised a morcha at Vita tehsil office and submitted the memorandum of their demands threatening to organise Rasta Roko if the government fails to act on their demand. Farmers have set September 18 deadline to clear cane dues.

Assembly election is round the corner, and politicians will not take the risk to make farmers angry, so they may push the mills in clearing the dues.

Sugarcane farmers claim that their financial condition is worsening day-by-day as they have not received dues from mills. Farmers assert that they are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children.

The Central government had introduced various measures, hike in the MSP of sugar, soft loan scheme, and others to help millers clear mounting sugarcane dues. But, sugar mills failed to clear it, citing surplus sugar and depressed sugar prices.

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Uttar Pradesh cane arrears stand at more than Rs 6000 crore

Lucknow: This year’s sugarcane crushing season is likely to commence from the first week of October, but farmers are yet to receive their pending arrears worth Rs 6000 crore. According to reports, the sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh are yet to pay Rs 6043 crore to sugarcane farmers.

Sugarcane farmers have intensified their protest. In spite of multiple warnings from the government, mills failed to clear the dues.

The farmers from Bijnor had organised sit-in agitation for 13 days at collectorate for their demand. They will be organising Mahapanchayat from September 17 to press their demands and discuss their future course of action.

August 31 deadline set by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath comes to an end, but still, sugar mills in the state have not cleared the sugarcane arrears. Cane growers in the state are worried as their past dues have not been cleared yet, and the new season is about to commence soon. Cane growers claim that their financial condition is worsening day-by-day as they have not received dues from mills. Farmers assert that they are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children.

As sugar mills, they are suffering from financial scarcity, Central government introduced various measures for them to bring out of this grim situation. Recently, with an aim to reduce the sugar surplus and low down cane arrears, the government has approved the sugar export subsidy. And it is expected that this will aid in reducing the dues.

“Send defaulter sugar millers to jail”

Lucknow: Sugarcane farmers have intensified their protest over sugarcane dues. The meeting called to discuss cane dues issue in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh turned violent as farmers were adamant on their demand to clear cane arrears immediately. Pressing on their demand, they urged the government to either jail them or the defaulter millers.

Farmers from five districts participated in the meeting and as it began, farmers raised their demand for payment of cane dues.
To pacify the situation, Sugar Commissioner Sanjay Bhoosreddy assured them of action against the millers.

Sugarcane farmers claim that their financial condition is worsening day-by-day as they have not received dues from mills. Farmers assert that they are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children.

Sugarcane arrears in Uttar Pradesh are getting cleared at a snail pace; therefore CM Yogi Adityanath had served Agust 31 deadline to all mills for clearing the cane arrears. Keeping in view the delay in the payment clearing process, the CM Yogi Adityanath strictly instructed the officials that all the dues of cane growers should be paid by August. But in spite of that, sugar mills flouted the deadline.

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STAI to organise all-India one-day seminar on ethanol production

New Delhi: Sugar mills in India are saddled with surplus sugar stocks and exploring for ways to diminish the glut. In a bid reduce the sugar stocks, mills are focusing on ethanol production. With the recent hike in ethanol prices, more mills are likely to emphasis on ethanol production. The Central government has the vision to achieve 10 per cent ethanol blending with petrol by 2020. Moving in the same direction, the sugar industry has achieved 8 per cent ethanol blending in the sugar season 2018-2019. Going forward the industry will have to ponder over issues like integrating their distilleries with multiple feedstocks rather than depending on molasses alone.

To deliberate more on the subject, The Sugar Technologists’ Association Of India (STAI) is all set to organise a one-day seminar on “Optimizing Ethanol Production in Distilleries attach with sugar mills – Experienced Gained and Way Forward”.

In a conversation with ChiniMandi.com, Mr.Sanjay Awasthi, President of STAI shared insights on the one day workshop. He said, “Going forward the industry will have to ponder over issues like integrating their distilleries with multi feed stocks rather than depending on molasses alone. To deliberate on the subject and explore new technologies and strategies this seminar has been planned.”

“This seminar will be of great relevance to the CEOs, HODs, Managers and associated professionals.” he further added.

The programme commencing on September 27, 2019, will feature talks by senior industry experts, Scientists, Technology providers, Consultants and Academicians on important aspects pertaining to ethanol. Also, there will be an interactive session, where all participants can raise their doubts and suggestions.

For this one day seminar, soft copies of technical papers on the above subjects are also invited from authors for presentation.

Many delegates from the sugar and ethanol industry are likely to participate in this workshop.

Below are the details for the interested one to participate in this seminar:
Date: 27th September 2019
Time: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Location: Hotel Vivanta Goa, Off DB Bandodkar Road, Panaji, 403001

Registration fees for STAI members: Rs 1500/- per delegate (Inclusive of GST)
Registration fees for non-members: Rs 2000/- per delegate (Inclusive of GST)

For more details, you can contact on (011) 45960930, 45960931, 45960932 or send mail to amit.khatter@staionline.org, ashish.vikram@staionline.org

Sugar mills to woo sugarcane farmers ahead of assembly election

Nipani: Heavy rains and floods in Pune, Sangli, Satara, Solapur, and Kolhapur have impacted the sugarcane crop drastically. This would ultimately be going to harm sugarcane production in the region. Sugar mills are also likley to face the sugarcane scarcity, which will ultimatly benefit the sugarcane farmers whose crop has survived the flood as they will get good price for their cane.

The Maharashtra assembly election is round the corner and this may result in millers declaring high rates for cane this year. Many sugar mills are owned by politicians, who will be contesting an assembly election this year. So to woo the farmers, they will leave no stone unturned and hike in FRP will be one of the best measures they will go for. The elections and the lack of cane may benefit the sugarcane growers.

The crops on the banks of rivers were underwater for more than two weeks decaying the cane grown in these areas. The farmers residing on the banks of the rivers have demanded to start cane crushing as early as possible so that they can send their remaining cane for crushing.

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Belagavi sugar mills likely to face sugarcane shortage

Belagavi: Recent flood has caused massive damage to the sugarcane crop in Belagavi district, following which now the sugar mills in the district are grappling with unprecedented sugarcane shortage.

According to the reports, the flood had destroyed sugarcane crop on 1.15 lakh hectares, which is around 45 per cent of the total cane that stands on 2.5 lakh hectares in the district. This would ultimately be going to harm sugarcane production. It is expected that, with the impact on sugarcane, it is likely to affect sugar mills as they will face sugarcane scarcity to run the mill with full capacity. The unavailability of sugarcane will not only hamper sugar mills, but it will also affect overall sugarcane production in Karnataka. Sugarcane farmers who are already stressed with pending sugarcane arrears are now in the state of shock and struggling to come back on a track.

Weaker mills that are yet to pay sugarcane arrears, and those whose field offices are not able to assure farmers of cutting and transporting, will suffer as sugarcane farmers may not supply cane to them.

Same is the case in Maharashtra as well, where due to lack of sugarcane scarcity many sugar mills in Maharashtra are not likely to participate in the sugar season 2019-20. Flood in Pune, Sangli, Satara, Solapur and Kolhapur districts have majorly hit the sugarcane crops. Sugar millers in Maharastra are asking for the crushing season to be delayed, which will give the standing cane crop in western Maharashtra as well as drought-hit Marathwada time to recover.

Sugar mills which were in miserable conditions are today running in profit: Haryana CM

New Delhi: Assembly election in Haryana is round the corner, and politicians are leaving no stone unturned to attract the voters. Sugarcane farmers are also one of the major vote banks in the state. Now they are reaching to sugarcane farmers to make them count the steps taken by the government to strengthen farmers lives and sugar industry in the state.

State Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also reached out to cane growers. Meeting the delegations of sugar mills and the sugarcane farmers, Khattar said, “Government provided all needed financial help to the sugar mills to clear sugarcane arrears. Earlier the mills which were running in miserable conditions are today running in profit. The attitude of the government towards sugarcane farmers and sugar mills have always been supportive.”

The Chief Minister has said that arrangements have been made to ensure that farmers do not face any problem in the upcoming sugar season.

In the month of August, sugarcane farmers, who gave their sugarcane to the private sugar mill in Ambala, had intensified their protest due to non-payment of cane arrears. They staged a demonstration outside the sugar factory demanding sugar mill to pay the dues of the 2018-2019 season at the earliest. The stir came to an end when Haryana cabinet announced the financial help of Rs 60 crore for the Naraingarh sugar mill.

Divisional Commissioner Sunil Kendrekar pays surprise visit to sugarcane farmers

Aurangabad: Aurangabad’s Divisional Commissioner Sunil Kendrekar paid a surprise visit in Paithan Taluka, where he interacted with the sugarcane farmers and reviewed the sugarcane crops. He mainly had a conversation with sugarcane growers in the district and spoke on the sugarcane water management method currently used by farmers and other issues related to agriculture.

Sugarcane farmers of all four villages were present on occasion, including Agriculture Officer Rameshwar Bhute, Divisional Agricultural Officer Vishal Salve, Ramnath Karle, Agriculture Supervisor Vasant Katabane, Kishore Padale, Yashwant Chaudhary, Raju Gawade.

Recently, Kendrekar advocated that the state government should ban the cultivation of sugarcane and production of sugar in drought-prone regions like Marathwada. Following which he received flak from sugarcane farmers and sugar mills from the region. He claimed that if sugarcane cultivation is banned, then water, which is being used by only 1.51 lakh sugarcane farmers, can benefit nearly 22 lakh farmers.

Export subsidy, rise in ethanol use sweeten sugar stocks

Mumbai; Every possible step is being taken by the central government to help the sugar industry, which is suffering from financial scarcity and surplus sugar. In a bid to aid the sugar sector, the government last month announced 60 lakh sugar export subsidy for 2019-20 sugar season. The policy involves an export subsidy of Rs 10,448 per metric tonne (mt) to sugar mills. The total estimated expenditure government will bear Rs 6268 crore. News of the government’s boost for the sugar industry has impacted the stock market as well. Sugar shares have performed well in stock market in last one month expecting that the industry’s performance would improve because of sugar export subsidy and increase in Ethanol production.

Sugar surplus in the country causing harm to the sector, so this move by the government will be helpful in reducing the sugar glut in India and improving the financial condition of sugar mills.

In the past one month, Dharani Sugar & Chemicals shoot up 66 per cent, while Balrampur Chini surged 35 per cent, and Dhampur Sugar and Bajaj Hindusthan gained 33 per cent.

Recently, the government increased the price of ethanol from C heavy molasses from Rs.43.46 per litre to Rs.43.75 per litre, and the price of ethanol from B heavy molasses hiked from Rs.52.43 per litre to Rs.54.27 per litre. Price of ethanol from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup route was fixed at 59.48 per litre. The Central government has the vision to achieve 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol by 2030 and is moving in the same direction. Experts believe the production of ethanol will aid sugar mills to become financially stable as they are struggling with depressed sugar prices, surplus stocks, and piling cane arrears.

Goa’s lone sugar mill will not operate this season

Panjim: Sugarcane farmers were expecting that Goa’s lone sugar factory, Sanjivani Co-Operative sugar mill, will commence soon, but the announcement made by state government dashed farmers hope. The crushing season is round the corner, and the government has decided not to begin production this year.

Cooperation minister Govind Gaude said, “Sugar mill will not operate this season. Maintenance cost for the sugar mill is estimated at Rs 6 crore, and investing such a big amount to run the mill is not feasible.”

Earlier, there were reports that if the crisis continues, then alternative products such as ethanol would be considered as a replacement. This had created hope among farmers and mill workers.

The mill has registered a loss of Rs 101.22 crore due to unavailability of sugarcane and various reason. The government made sure that sugarcane produced by farmers will be bought at the market price. State chief minister Pramod Sawant had assured farmers that those who produce sugarcane this season would not incur any loss. The government will purchase their sugarcane and supply it to the sugar mills in other states, besides providing support price to these farmers.

Earlier many sugarcane organisations and groups met state ministers and insisted them to operate sugar mill in the coming season. Local politicians warned the government over factory closure. MLA Prasad Gaonkar threatened to agitate along with farmers on the streets of Panjim if government closes the factory.

Joint Collector orders NCS Sugars to clear cane dues immediately

Sitanagaram: NCS sugar in Sitanagaram, Andhra Pradesh is likely to face government action if it fails to pay farmers sugarcane arrears. On September 13, Vizianagaram Joint Collector K. Venkata Ramana Reddy instructed the factory to pay 20 crore dues to farmers immediately. Ramana Reddy asked mill if required, then sell off its properties and molasses.

To discuss the cane arrears issue, Joint Collector held meeting with NCS Sugars Managing Director Narayanam Srinivas.

Claiming that the mill is not in a position to clear the dues in one go, Srinivas said the factory is suffering from the financial crisis.

Due to non-payment of sugarcane dues, farmers have intensified their protest. The government had introduced various measures, hike in the MSP of sugar, soft loan scheme, and sugar export subsidy to help millers clear mounting sugarcane dues. But, sugar mills across the country failed to clear it, citing surplus sugar and depressed sugar prices.

Ramana Reddy asked the mill to explore all options of raising money and also said if required then sell 7,750 metric tonnes of molasses, which would fetch around 4.5 crore rupees.

Joint Collector gave three months deadline to sugar mill to clear the dues, and failing to pay same will attract the action against the mill. He said that mill should not stop sugar crushing in the coming season as many farmers have already planted sugarcane in thousands of acres.

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Indian Govt. notifies on Sugar Export Policy of 60 LMT

ChiniMandi Delhi, 30th August 2019: In a notification issued on 12th day of September 2019, the Department of Food & Public Distribution with a view to facilitate export of sugar during the sugar season 2019-20 (1st October, 2019 to so” September, 2020) thereby improving the liquidity position of sugar mills enabling them to clear cane price dues of farmers for sugar season 2019-20 notified the Scheme for providing assistance to sugar mills for expenses on marketing costs including handling, upgrading and other processing costs and costs of international and internal transport and freight charges on export of sugar as under:

Purpose of Assistance:
The funds to be provided as assistance to facilitate export is to be used for payment of cane price dues of farmers for the sugar season 2019-20 and cane price arrears of previous sugar seasons, if any.
Eligibility: Sugar mills which fulfill the following conditions will be eligible for assistance under this Scheme: (a) The sugar mills should have exported sugar up to the extent of their Maximum Admissible Export Quantity (MAEQ) determined by the Central Government for such mills for the sugar season 2019-20, either themselves or through a merchant exporter. However, to become eligible to get assistance a sugar mill would be required to export at least 50% of its MAEQ.
(b) This assistance shall be available to only those sugar mills which have exported domestically manufactured sugar under Open General License (OGL) but not under “advance license”, either itself or through an exporter or sourcing sugar from any other factory during sugar season 2019-20.
(c) The sugar mills which export refined sugar through the sugar refinery by way of value addition to either raw sugar obtained as input from the domestic sugar manufacturer by invalidation of license issued under Advance Authorization Scheme (AAS) or raw/white sugar through OGL shall be considered to have exported domestically manufactured sugar. The sugar mill which has originally manufactured the raw/white sugar or MAEQ holder in case of export through third party, as the case may be, shall be also eligible to receive assistance under this scheme. In this regard, the raw/white sugar manufacturer(s), MAEQ holder(s) if other than the sugar manufacturers and the sugar refinery for that purpose shall enter into bi-partite/tripartite agreement as the case may be. The refinery is also required to submit an undertaking on a non-judicial stamp paper declaring that the quantity of refined sugar has been exported by sourcing raw/white sugar from the domestic sugar mills clearly indicating the name of sugar mill(s) and MAEQ holder(s) if other than sugar manufacturer. The name(s) of such raw/white sugar manufacturer(s)/MAEQ holder(s) should also be indicated in the shipping bills relating to export of such refined sugar.
Extent of Assistance: (i) The Central Government will provide a lump sum assistance for expenses on export of sugar limited to MAEQ of sugar mills for the sugar season 2019-20, in the following manner: (a) For marketing including handling, quality up-gradation, debagging & rebagging and other processing costs etc.@ Rs. 4400 per MT (b) For internal transport and freight charges including loading, unloading, and fobbing etc. @ RS.3428per MT (c) For ocean freight against shipment from Indian ports to the ports of destination countries etc. @ Rs. 2620 per MT (ii) In case of export through land custom to other countries, this assistance shall be available only for expenses referred in Para 3 (i) (a) & (b) above. (iii) The assistance under this scheme would not be reimbursement but assistance for such expenses incurred as indicated in Para 3 (i) above. Sugar mill shall neither be entitled to claim assistance on any other expenses nor beyond the rate prescribed by the Government.
Submission of Claims: (i) The sugar mills shall be free to submit their claims in two tranches. The first claim could be submitted by the sugar mills on exporting at least 50% of their MAEQ. (ii) The sugar mills shall submit the claim for receiving assistance in the prescribed Proforma-A annexed with this notification after fulfilling the eligibility criteria as referred in Para (2) above to the “Chief Director (Sugar), Directorate of Sugar & Vegetable Oils, Department of Food & Public Distribution, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
(iii) The claim for each tranche should be submitted within ninety days from the date of issue of the last bill of lading for which claim is being made. Delayed submissions beyond ninety days but up to a maximum of one hundred eighty days from the date of issue bill of lading would be allowed, subject to a deduction of 10 per cent of the admissible amount. No claim shall be admissible after one hundred eighty days from the date of issue of bill of lading with respect to exports made during the particular month under consideration.
Modalities of utilization: (i) The assistance is to be used for payment of cane price dues of farmers for the sugar season 2019-20 and cane price arrears of previous sugar seasons, if any.
(ii) In order to ensure that the assistance is directly credited into the accounts of farmers, the sugar mill shall open a separate no-lien account in a nationalized bank/cooperative bank and furnish to that bank the list of farmers along with bank accounts details and extent of cane price dues payable to the farmers for the sugar season 2019-20 and cane price arrears of previous sugar seasons, duly certified by the Cane Commissioner I Director of Sugar of the state concerned. The bank shall credit the amount of assistance to the farmers’ accounts on behalf of the mills against cane dues payable and subsequent balance, if any, shall be credited into mill’s account.
(iii) The Department of Financial Services (DFS) shall issue suitable instructions to the banks in this regard.
Utilization Certificate:
The sugar mill concerned shall submit utilization certificate duly counter signed by the respective Sugarcane Commissioner I Director (Sugar) within three months from the date of release of subsidy certifying that the subsidy so released has been utilized for the purpose specified in this Scheme. Any failure to submit the utilization certificate within stipulated time would debar the mill from availing benefit under any other scheme subsequently announced by the Central Government and action will be initiated for recovery of the amount including adjustment from dues of the sugar mill in respect of any other scheme being operationised by DFPD.
The sugar mill concerned shall submit bank certificate of export and realization by the bank for the exports made within 120 days from the date of release of assistance. Any failure to submit the bank certificate of export and realization by the bank for the exports within stipulated time would debar the sugar mill from availing benefit under any other scheme subsequently announced by the Central Government and action will be initiated for recovery of the amount including adjustment from dues of the sugar mill in respect of any other scheme being operationised by DFPD.
The Central Government may extend the period of submission of utilization certificate and bank certificate of export and realization by such period as it deems fit, if it is satisfied that there is sufficient cause for the delay in submission of these two documents.
DFPD shall closely monitor the prices of sugar, both in domestic as well as global markets and review the availability position of sugar on monthly basis and based on such reasons, DFPD may amend or withdraw the scheme at any time.
DFPD will also review the performance of sugar mills on quarterly basis and in case of non-performing mills, their MAEQ may be reduced and accordingly MAEQ of performing and willing sugar mills may be increased.
Where DFPD is of the opinion that it is necessary or expedient to do so, it may, by order and for reasons to be recorded in writing, modify/relax any of the conditions of this scheme.

Indian Govt. to increase export quota of performing sugar mills

Department of Food & Public Distribution will also review the performance of sugar mills on quarterly basis and in case of non-performing mills, their Maximum Admissible Export Quantity (MAEQ) may be reduced and accordingly MAEQ of performing and willing sugar mills may be increased.

In a notification issued on 12th day of September 2019, the Department of Food & Public Distribution with a view to facilitate export of sugar during the sugar season 2019-20 thereby improving the liquidity position of sugar mills enabling them to clear cane price dues of farmers for sugar season 2019-20 notified the Scheme for providing assistance to sugar mills for expenses on marketing costs including handling, upgrading and other processing costs and costs of international and internal transport and freight charges on export of sugar.

Indian Govt. may amend or withdraw the sugar export scheme at any time

Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD) shall closely monitor the prices of sugar, both in domestic as well as global markets and review the availability position of sugar on monthly basis and based on such reasons, DFPD may amend or withdraw the scheme at any time.

In a notification issued on 12th day of September 2019, the Department of Food & Public Distribution with a view to facilitate export of sugar during the sugar season 2019-20 thereby improving the liquidity position of sugar mills enabling them to clear cane price dues of farmers for sugar season 2019-20 notified the Scheme for providing assistance to sugar mills for expenses on marketing costs including handling, upgrading and other processing costs and costs of international and internal transport and freight charges on export of sugar.

Indian sugar mills to export minimum 50% MAEQ of sugar for assistance from Govt.

The sugar mills should have exported sugar up to the extent of their Maximum Admissible Export Quantity (MAEQ) determined by the Central Government for such mills for the sugar season 2019-20, either themselves or through a merchant exporter. However, to become eligible to get assistance a sugar mill would be required to export at least 50% of its MAEQ.

In a notification issued on the 12th Day of September the Government The Central Government, with a view to facilitate export of sugar during the sugar season 2019-20 (1st October, 2019 to so” September, 2020) thereby improving the liquidity position of sugar mills enabling them to clear cane price dues of farmers for sugar season 2019-20, hereby notifies the Scheme for providing assistance to sugar mills for expenses on marketing costs including handling, upgrading and other processing costs and costs of international and internal transport and freight charges on export of sugar.

According to the notification, the extent of assistance is as follows:

(i) The Central Government will provide a lump sum assistance for expenses on export of sugar limited to MAEQ of sugar mills for the sugar season 2019-20, in the following manner:

(a) For marketing including handling, quality up-gradation, debagging & rebagging and other processing costs etc @ Rs. 4400/MT
(b) For internal transport and freight charges including loading, unloading, and fobbing etc. @ Rs.3428/MT
(c) For ocean freight against shipment from Indian ports to the ports of destination countries etc. @ Rs. 2620/MT

(ii) In case of export through land custom to other countries, this assistance shall be available only for expenses referred in Para 3 (i) (a) & (b) above.

(iii) The assistance under this scheme would not be reimbursement but assistance for such expenses incurred as indicated in Para 3 (i) above. Sugar mill shall neither be entitled to claim assistance on any other expenses nor beyond the rate prescribed by the Government.

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Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman assures support to boost Tamil Nadu sugar industry

Chennai: Due to various reasons, Tamil Nadu sugar industry is in deep crisis, and since long they are asking for financial assistance to come on track. Now, Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman comes to their rescue. She was in Chennai to highlight the 100 days of Modi government, where she assured the millers of Centre’s help.

Assuring to revive the industry, she has promised to arrange a meeting with RBI and banks, where they can discuss and find a solution to uplift the sugar industry. She met the representatives of the sugar sector and spent almost 90 minutes discussing the hurdles faced by the sugar mills in Tamil Nadu.

Palani G Periasamy, president, South India Sugar Mills Association (SISMA) said, “She discussed in detail the move needed to be taken to find a solution. She is keen to find an instant remedy.”

According to the reports, many sugar mills are not being operated as the sugar industry in the state is struggling. Sugar mills in Tamil Nadu are facing financial crisis owing to the bank debt. Drought in the state has impacted the sugarcane production. The cane shortage has affected the mills as many were forced to shut it. EID Parry had to close the factory due to cane scarcity. Many mills also had to cut sugar production due to non-availability of sugarcane. Most companies having multiple mills were not able to operate all their mills to full to their capacity. Earlier millers have approached banks and requested to restructure the loan.

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Millers trying to lock in deals with buyers to commence sugar export

New Delhi: Sugar mills in India are eyeing to export sugar surplus in a bid to reduce the glut. To fix the deal and commence the exports, millers are making an attempt from China to Sri Lanka. Sugar season is likely to begin from October.

To reduce the sugar surplus, the government last month announced 60 lakh sugar export subsidy for 2019-20 sugar season. The policy involves an export subsidy of Rs 10,448 per metric tonne (mt) to sugar mills. The total estimated expenditure government will bear Rs 6268 crore.

Experts believe sugar mills will try to export surplus sugar until April when supplies from Brazil start to flood the market.

According to the Abinash Verma, “In a bid to start shipping from next month, sugar mills in India are talking to importers in Iran, Bangladesh, East Africa, China, Middle East, and Sri Lanka.”

Many rival countries have objected to India’s sugar subsidies. Brazil, Australia and Guatemala had knocked the door of World Trade Organization against India’s sugar subsidies, following which on August 15, WTO sets up adjudicatory panel over the issue. They claim India’s subsidies are inconsistent with the WTO obligations and distorting the global sugar market, which is ultimately affecting the farmers and sugar mills of their respective countries.

The Indian sugar sector is suffering from various hurdles from the last two to three years, and to bring the sector out of the crisis, the government had introduced various measures, including sugar export subsidy. Sugar surplus in the country causing harm to the sector, so the shipments will be helpful in reducing the sugar glut in India.

Sugar millers asked to pay cane dues or face FIR

Bijnor: Sugar season 2019-2020 will commence soon, but mills have not paid full sugarcane arrears yet. Following which cane growers have intensified their protest. In spite of multiple warnings from the government, mills failed to clear the dues. The same condition is in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district too. Now coming in an action mode, the assistant sugar commissioner has issued notices to six district sugar mills to clear their dues within seven days or FIRs will be lodged against their owners and senior management.

Sugar mills in the district owe around Rs 500 crore. August 31 deadline set by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath comes to an end, but still, sugar mills in the state have not cleared the sugarcane arrears.

Cane growers in the district are worried as their past dues have not been cleared yet, and new season is about to commence from October.

Sugarcane farmers in the district claim that their financial condition is worsening day-by-day as they have not received dues from mills. Farmers assert that they are unable to feed their families, nor able to pay school fees of their children.

The sugar mills are suffering from various hurdles from the last few years, and to help them, the government introduced various measures.

With an aim to reduce the sugar surplus and low down cane arrears, the government has recently approved the sugar export subsidy. And it is expected that this will aid in reducing the dues.

Sugar industry requires to look for alternate use of bagasse: Prof. Narendra Mohan

A workshop was held at National Sugar Institute, Kanpur today on “Production of Particle Boards from Sugarcane Bagasse” which was attended by the delegates from various sugar factories and technology providing companies. Inaugurating the workshop, Prof. Narendra Mohan, Director, National Sugar Institute highlighted the importance of the workshop in the present scenario prevailing in sugar industry where after meeting the captive requirements and use of bagasse as fuel for generating power for exports, about 5% of bagasse i.e. about 4.5-5.0 million metric tonnes bagasse is rendered surplus per annum. Looking to the availability of surplus bagasse and challenges in bagasse based co-generation of power, the sugar industry is required to look for alternate use of bagasse. Production of Particle Board Panels for making furniture is one such use about which the industry may take a step forward, he added.

In his presentation, Prof. D Swain, Professor Sugar Engineering informed that with the growth of the wood panel industry due to the demands in the furniture industry, the search for new raw materials has increased. Production of particleboard panels with sugarcane bagasse may allow the industry to expand, reduce the use of timber (and thereby, reduce the pressure on forests), and reduce the costs of panel production.

Presentations were also made on details of studies carried out in China and Brazil on production of such particle boards from sugarcane bagasse testing the physical characteristics of water absorption and thickness swelling of the panels after 2 and 24 h of immersion in water. The mechanical properties were also characterized by performing bending (moduli of elasticity and rupture), compression (moduli of elasticity rupture), internal bonding, screw pull out and Janka hardness tests. The studies indicate that panels made from sugarcane bagasse showed comparable with or superior physical and mechanical properties to those made from Eucalyptus and Pinus.

Experts from M/s Protos Engineering Co. Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai made presentation about two such bagasse based particle board plants set up in India recently in Haryana and Maharashtra. In near future, the market is going to see more fancy furniture made out of sugarcane bagasse, they said.

Maharashtra sugar mills eye to invest in ethanol production

Mumbai: After government hiked the ethanol prices to boost the Ethanol production in the country, now sugar mills in Maharashtra are mulling to invest to increase ethanol production capacity.

An office-bearer from the Maharashtra State Sugar Co-operatives Federation talking to a leading news website said, “Maharashtra’s sugar mills have a capacity to produce to 57 crore litres of ethanol every year, and this can be doubled over the next two years with an investment of around Rs 2500 crore.”

Millers in India are struggling because of unsold stocks. Therefore, the government is focusing on ethanol production to strengthen the financial condition of sugar mills.

The government increased the price of ethanol from C heavy molasses from Rs.43.46 per litre to Rs.43.75 per litre, and the price of ethanol from B heavy molasses hiked from Rs.52.43 per litre to Rs.54.27 per litre. Price of ethanol from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup route be fixed at. 59.48 per litre.

The Central government has the vision to achieve 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol by 2030. As sugar mills in Maharashtra have been facing issues with depressing sugar prices, surplus stocks and piling cane arrears, experts believe the production of ethanol will aid sugar mills to improve the financial condition and to clear cane arrears.

Overall another excellent and very positive policy decision: ISMA on hike in ethanol prices

New Delhi: To reduce sugar glut, the government had taken various measures from time to time. In a recent relief to sugar mills, government hiked the ethanol prices for 2019-20 season. And the Industry body Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has welcomed this decision by Central government.

Sugar mills in India are under stress because of unsold stocks. Therefore, the government is emphasising on ethanol production to strengthen the financial condition of sugar factories.

Avinash Verma, director general, Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) in a released statement said, “Government’s decision to increase ethanol price once again, with special emphasis and a higher increase for ethanol made from B-heavy molasses, confirms the government’s commitment towards encouraging more diversion of the surplus sugarcane/sugar into ethanol. The second very important decision of allowing a single premium price for the ethanol made from partial or 100 per cent sugarcane juice is another big and positive step in this direction. These decisions will help in further increasing the ethanol blend levels from the current 6 per cent average levels across the country.”

“The industry is responding very positively by hugely investing in new or expansion of ethanol production capacities, which will ensure that we will achieve the government’s 10 per cent ethanol blend targets almost certainly by 2022. Overall another excellent and very positive policy decision by the government to encourage more production of the green bio-fuel and at the same time reducing some of the surplus sugar as also helping in more timely payment to our cane farmers.” ISMA further added.

The government increased the price of ethanol from C heavy molasses from Rs.43.46 per litre to Rs.43.75 per litre, and the price of ethanol from B heavy molasses hiked from Rs.52.43 per litre to Rs.54.27 per litre.

Sugar millers have been requesting to allow to produce ethanol from sugar. Considering the same, price of ethanol from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup route be fixed at. 59.48 per litre.

The Central Government has the vision to achieve 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol by 2030. As sugar mills in Maharashtra have been facing issues with depressing sugar prices, surplus stocks and piling cane arrears, experts believe the production of ethanol will aid sugar mills to improve the financial condition and to clear cane arrears.

Govt. approves fixing higher ethanol price for sugar season 2019-20

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved Mechanism revision of ethanol price for supply to Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies for procurement of ethanol w.e.f. December’19 for one year period.

According to the press release by PIB, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has gave its approval for, including fixing higher ethanol price derived from different raw materials under the EBP Programme for the forthcoming sugar season 2019-20 during ethanol supply year from 1st December 2019 to 30th November 2020:

The price of ethanol from C heavy molasses route be increased from Rs.43.46 per litre to Rs.43.75 per litre,
The price of ethanol from B heavy molasses route be increased from Rs.52.43 per litre to Rs.54.27 per litre,
The price of ethanol from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup route be fixed at Rs. 59.48 per litre,
Additionally, GST and transportation charges will also be payable. OMCs have been advised to fix realistic transportation charges so that long distance transportation of ethanol is not disincentivised,
OMCs are advised to continue according priority of ethanol from 1) sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup, 2) B heavy molasses 3) C heavy molasses and 4) Damaged Food grains/other sources, in that order,
All distilleries will be able to take benefit of the scheme and large number of them are expected to supply ethanol for the EBP programme. Remunerative price to ethanol suppliers will help in reduction of cane farmer’s arrears, in the process contributing to minimizing difficulty of sugarcane farmers.

Ethanol availability for EBP Programme is expected to increase significantly due to higher price being offered for procurement of ethanol from all the sugarcane based routes, subsuming “partial sugarcane juice route” and “100% sugarcane juice route” under “sugarcane juice route” and for the first time allowing sugar and sugar syrup for ethanol production. Increased ethanol blending in petrol has many benefits including reduction in import dependency, support to agricultural sector, more environmental friendly fuel, lesser pollution and additional income to farmers.

The Government has been implementing Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme wherein OMCs sell petrol blended with ethanol up to 10%. This programme has been extended to whole of India except Union Territories of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands with effect from 01st April, 2019 to promote the use of alternative and environment friendly fuels. This intervention also seeks to reduce import dependence for energy requirements and give boost to agriculture sector.

Government has notified administered price of ethanol since 2014. For the first time during 2018, differential price of ethanol based on raw material utilized for ethanol production was announced by the Government. These decisions have significantly improved the supply of ethanol thereby ethanol procurement by Public Sector OMCs has increased from 38 crore litre in ethanol supply year 2013-14 to estimated over 200 crore litre in 2018-19.

Consistent surplus of sugar production is depressing sugar price. Consequently, sugarcane farmer’s dues have increased due to lower capability of sugar industry to pay the farmers. Government has taken many decisions for reduction of cane farmer’s dues.

With a view to limit sugar production in India and to increase domestic production of ethanol, Government has taken multiple steps including, allowing diversion of B heavy molasses and sugarcane juice for ethanol production. As the ex-mill price of sugar and conversion cost have undergone changes, there is a need to revise the ex-mill price of ethanol derived from different sugarcane based raw materials. There is also a demand from the industry to include sugar and sugar syrup for ethanol production to help in solving the problem of inventory and liquidity with the sugar mills.

Government warns sugar mills of strict action

Muzaffarnagar: August 31 deadline set by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath comes to an end, but still sugar mills in the state have not cleared the sugarcane arrears.

Sugar mills in Muzaffarnagar owe over Rs 440 crore to sugarcane farmers. Following which state government strictly directed the mills in the district to clear the arrears or to face the stern action. According to District Cane Officer RD Divedi, 7 out of 8 sugar mills have not made full payment.

Sugarcane arrears in Uttar Pradesh are getting cleared with a lukewarm response; therefore CM Adityanath had served Agust 31 deadline to all mills for clearing the cane arrears. Keeping in view the delay in the payment clearing process, Yogi strictly instructed the officials that all the dues of cane growers should be paid by August.

Cane growers in the district are worried as their dues for the past arrears have not been cleared yet, and new season about to commence from October.

The sugar sector is suffering from various hurdles from last few years, and to help the sugar mills, the government introduced various measures like soft loan scheme, hike in minimum selling price, creation of buffer stock, scrapping of export duty, 100 per cent rise in import duty, and others. With an aim to reduce the sugar surplus, the government has recently approved the sugar export subsidy. And it is expected that this will aid in reducing the dues.

Sugar prices jump by Rs.100/qntl; “Acche Din” for sugar industry

ChiniMandi Mumbai: After the announcement of sugar monthly release quota for September 2019 which is 19.5 LMT, the market sentiments reacted very positively and prices jumped Rs.100 to Rs.120/Qntl.

September month’s quota is likely to extend the sweetness in the market as the festive season kicks in which increases demand in the market. Sugar millers across the country have been striving hard to sell sugar for the past couple of months and improve their cash flow along with the financial position which has been influenced by weak demand, cane arrears and monsoon conditions.

Recently, the Government approved creation of sugar buffer stock of 40 LMT that would enable to maintain the demand supply balance, stabilize the prices of sugar and to improve the liquidity position of the sugar mills to clear the sugarcane arrears.

An export assistance of ₹10,448/MT to sugar mills for the sugar season 2019-20 was also announced. The assistance will be provided for expenses on back of marketing costs including handling, upgrading and other processing costs, costs of international and internal transport and freight charges on sugar export of up to 60 LMT of sugar limited to MAEQ allocated to sugar mills for the sugar season 2019-20.

Overall looks like the “Achche Din” of the sugar industry have begun. Two back to back monthly releases a tag lower than the demand ensures demand remains more than the supply and mills have active sales counter. Similarly, being festive season, consumers look forward to store sugar more than the requirement to cater the festive demand. With the recent announcements, it seems to be a win win situation for Industry and the Government especially ahead of the Maharashtra State Elections as the state economy and politics runs in parallel with sugarcane and sugar mills economy.

According to marketmen, today, in Maharashtra the rates for S/30 sugar are Rs.3200 to Rs.3300/Qntl, in Gujarat the rates for S/30 are Rs.3250 to 3280/Qntl and M/30 Rs.3350 to 3400/Qntl are, in Uttar Pradesh the rates for M/30 are Rs.3450 to 3500/Qntl. (All rates are excluding GST)

In the previous month the Govt. allocated 19 lakh MT monthly sugar quota in August to 535 mills in the country.

Govt Fixes 19.5 LMT Monthly Sugar Quota for Sale in September 2019

ChiniMandi Delhi, 30th August 2019: In a notification issued on 30th day of August 2019, the food ministry has allocated 19.5 LMT monthly sugar quota for September to each of 535 mills in India along with added incentivised quota to those mills who have completed their export targets under MIEQ Quota.

The group sugar producing companies having more than one sugar producing units may maintain the stock as defined in Para (1) of this Order, either unit wise or for the group as a whole.

The sugar-mill wise Maximum quantity of refined sugar for domestic sale and dispatch during the month of September 2019 as given in column 4 of the table has been worked out on the basis of the following parameters.

The notional month-end stock for the month of August 2019, has been worked out on the basis of month end stock for July, 2019 (as reported on P-II) and subtracting actual release for August 2019. Since most of the mills have stopped operations during August 2019 hence no estimated production has been taken into account.

The quantity of white and raw sugar dispatched from sugar mills for the purpose of export (as reported P-II) has also been added in August 2019 month end notional stock.

Those sugar mills which have completed their 75% to 100% export targets under MIEQ quota allotted to them for the sugar season 2018-19 have been given incentive in the form of additional allocation @ 10% of their normal allocation for the month of September 2019. Besides, the sugar mills which have completed 50 to 75% of their export targets under MIEQ quota for the season 2018-19 have been given @ 7.5% of their normal allocation for the month of September, 2019 by adding this incentivized quantity in column 4 of the table in this Order. No deductions have been made for non-fulfillment of export targets under MIEQ.

Incentive in lieu of sugar sacrificed for producing ethanol from B heavy molasses have been given by adding additional quantity in column 4 of the table of this order, corresponding to the reported ethanol production from B heavy molasses (reported on P-II) for May 2019 for stock holding limit Order for the month of September 2019.

Show Cause Notices (SCNs) was issued to the sugar mills for violation of stock holding order for the month of April 2019. Except 9 sugar mills, replies to SCNs have been received from other sugar mills which are under examination. The excess quantity sold by the said 9 sugar mills have been deducted from the proposed allocation in the month of September 2019.

In the previous month the Govt. allocated 19 lakh MT monthly sugar sale quota to 535 mills in the country. September month’s quota is likely to bring sweetness in the market as the festive season has begun. Sugar millers will also be able to witness and maintain the demand supply balance, stabilize the prices of sugar and to improve their liquidity position by the recently taken step of the Government by announcement of export policy of 60LMT. Positive sentiments for sugar prices supported by the Indian festivals approaching i.e. Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Dussehrah and Diwali alongwith export demand are likely to keep the market flow smoothly and prices firm.

9 sugar mills face action for selling excessive sugar quota

The Central Government had reintroduced the Monthly Release Mechanism last year to control supply of sugar and ensure stability in pricing. The central government also fixed the minimum selling price (MSP) of sugar and instructed mills to adhere to the directive.

The notification passed on the 7th Day of June 2018 mentioned that any violation of the order would attract penal provisions under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 as amended from time to time.

The Department had been constantly auditing the sales of mills. Show Cause Notices (SCNs) was issued to the sugar mills for violation of stock holding order for the month of April 2019. Except 9 sugar mills, replies to SCNs have been received from other sugar mills which are under examination. The excess quantity sold by the said 9 sugar mills have been deducted from the proposed allocation in the month of September 2019.

Karnataka CM assures for financial assistance to revive sugar mills

Mandya: Karnataka is already impacted by drought, following which the sugarcane production is affected. The non-functioning of Mysugar and Pandavapura Sahakari Sakkare Karkhane (PSSK) made the situation worst for sugarcane farmers in Mandya and adjoining areas. Now, state Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has assured of reviving both the sugar mills.

He assured financial help to restart MySugar and PSSK factories. Yediyurappa said, “A meeting would be held in the next 15 to 20 days, where the decision would be taken in this regard. And in case if the crushing is not possible to commence, then steps would be taken to start crushing from next year.”

Recently, the delegation of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) met Yediyurappa to divert his attention towards an agrarian crisis in the state and also to seek permanent solutions for the same. During the meeting with the CM, KRRS requested the CM to shift sugarcane farmers under these mills to other mills in Mandya and other districts and also asked to bear the transportation cost for the same.

According to the reports, in order to revive the mill, the government will study the feasibility of the mills and will send a technical team for inspections.

Sugarcane farmers in the state are already under stress as they have been waiting for the pending cane dues. Following which, they have intensified their protest against mills and government.

“Smaller crop in Maharashtra and Karnataka may be a tonic for world sugar market from early 2020” – Managing Director – MEIR Commodities

With the cabinet’s signal of a green flag on subsidy for exporting 60 LMT of sugar, the industry has been building promising sentiments to export and lighten the stock piles in the country. It is said that the package of subsidy for exports will translate additional cash flows in assisting the sugar millers to reduce the burden of interest and clear the cane dues timely.

In conversation with ChiniMandi.com, Mr. Rahil Shaikh – Managing Director of MEIR Commodities India Pvt. Ltd shared his views on the development. “This is a great move by the Government by continuing the subsidy and export program, we hope Indian sugar millers take the advantage of such generous subsidy and export the total tonnage of 60 LMT allocated.”

“The world market currently is still trading below the parity (MSP) including the subsidy, smaller crop in Maharashtra and Karnataka may be a tonic for world market from early 2020. We expect opening stock of 142 LMT in coming Sugar season (2019-20) and production of 280 LMT.” He added.

The Centre approved to offer Rs.10.45/kg subsidy for export of sugar at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday.

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Sugar industry apex body NFCSF seeks re-fixing of sugar MSP

With the new sugar season to commence in the next 2 months away seems to be a challenging one owing to the opening sugar stock of 145 LMT and expected production of 285 LMT summing to a total availability of 430 LMT is setting a new record in the history of India’s sugar sector.

Speaking at the apex body National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories 60th Annual General Meeting, President Dilip Walse Patil in his address threw light on a couple of important issues concerning the Indian sugar sector in general and the cooperative sugar industry in particular. He was optimistic that the Government of India will soon come out with robust policies on allowing conversion of sugar stock into Ethanol & offering enhanced purchase prices for Ethanol based on the pre-brief on the impending challenge with suggested remedial measures.

Patil also expressed that, “There is need for creation of Price Stabilization Fund which will help the industry whenever there ups and downs in the market. There is another important issue pertaining to sugar MSP. I request DFPD to kindly compute all finance costs including depreciation in re-fixing sugar MSP so as to bring it at par with average cost of production. Once we do this, I am sure the current financial stress that the country’s sugar sector is reeling through will get diluted and pave way for creation of a financially confident sugar industry for years to come.”

“Another thing looming large is the “Anti Sugar Campaign” which has potential to seriously impair sugar consumption & thereby push the sector towards financial sickness. In fact sugar per se, is not responsible for causing health concern as projected in the draft policy of FSSAI. We have firmly opposed it with supporting evidence based on scientific reports. What is alarming that the domestic sugar consumption has already stagnated due to reduced buying of industrial bulk buyers who contribute almost 67% of India’s domestic sugar consumption. I take this opportunity to request the health ministry & FSSAI to hear the industry views before taking any final decision on this crucial matter.” He added.

Indian government subsidy boost sugar stocks

Mumbai: With the announcement of sugar export subsidy, stocks of many sugar companies surged. On August 28, Cabinet approved export subsidy for exporting 60 lakh metric tonne of sugar. The policy for the 2019-20 sugar season involves an export subsidy of Rs 10,448 per metric tonne (mt) to sugar mills. The total estimated expenditure government will bear Rs 6268 crore. The subsidy was provided with an intention to reduce the sugar glut in the country.

Most of the sugar stocks today opened with good gains. Around 9:25 am, shares of Shree Renuka Sugars (up 4.57 per cent), Sakthi Sugars (up 4.05 per cent), Dharani Sugars & Chemicals (up 9.24 per cent), Uttam sugar Mills (up 3.77 per cent). Along with this the shares of Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar, Balrampur Chini, Dhampur Sugar Mills, Ugar Sugar, Avadh Sugar, Magadh Sugar also surged (up 1.44 to 3.69 per cent).

The Indian sugar industry has welcomed this move by the government and says this step will be very helpful in clearing the huge cane arrears and reducing the sugar surplus.

Indian Government announces Sugar MAEQ of 60 LMT with export subsidy

New Delhi: As widely expected, CCEA has given approval for providing export assistance of Rs.10,448/MT to sugar mills for the sugar season 2019-20. Government is expected to allocate MAXIMUM ADMISSIBLE EXPORT QUANTITY (MAEQ) quota of 60 LMT to the sugar mills as per their production percentage. The total estimated expenditure of government shall be ₹6268 crore.

The export assistance will be provided for expenses on back of marketing costs including handling, upgrading and other processing costs, costs of international and internal transport and freight charges on export of up to 60 LMT of sugar limited to MAEQ allocated to sugar mills for the sugar season 2019-20.

According to the press release it is understood that the sugar export subsidy would be directly credited into farmers account on behalf of mills against cane price dues and subsequent balance, if any, would be credited to mill’s account. The subsidy is likely to be in conformity with the provisions of Article 9.1(d) & (e) of Agreement of Agriculture and thus WTO compatible.

As we reported earlier, in wake of surplus sugar production during the sugar season 2017-18 (October – September) and sugar season 2018-19 notwithstanding various measures taken by the Government, the ensuring sugar season 2019-20 is expected to commence with an opening stock of about 150 LMT.

It was a dire need of the industry and demand was coming from all facets of the industry of export assistance. This shall accelerate the exports which started with the beginning of last sugar season and is going to ease the cash flow pressure on the sugar mills.

Karnataka to revive ailing sugar mills

Mysuru: As Mysugar and Pandavapura Sahakari Sakkare Karkhane (PSSK) in Karnataka are struggling to re-start, it has impacted the lives of sugarcane farmers in the region. Now, according to the reports, state Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa has assured of reviving both the sugar mills.

Recently, the delegation of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) met Yediyurappa to divert his attention towards an agrarian crisis in the state and also to seek permanent solutions for the same.

KRRS leader Darshan Puttannaiah while addressing the media said, “CM has assured of initiating measures to revive the State-owned Mysugar (Mysore Sugar Company Ltd.) and the cooperative sector sugar mill PSSK.”

During the meeting with the CM, KRRS requested the CM to shift sugarcane farmers under these mills to other mills in Mandya and other districts and also asked to bear the transportation cost for the same.

According to the reports, in order to revive the mill, the government will study the feasibility of the mills and will send a technical team for inspections.

Recently, Sugar Minister R.B. Timmapur has said that MySugar factory in Mandya will re-start functioning in August.

Sugarcane farmers in the state are already under stress as they have been waiting for the pending cane dues. Following which, they have intensified their protest against mills and government. Earlier, the farmers’ delegation had met former Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy to make him aware of the farmers suffering. Following which, he assured the delegation clearance of dues by sugar mills.

Around 50 sugar mills in Maharashtra may not crush sugarcane in 2019-2020 crushing season

Pune: Due to lack of sugarcane scarcity 50 sugar mills in Maharashtra are likely not to participate in the 2019-20 season., A total of 195 sugar mills participated in the operation this season. According to the Sugar Commissionerate report, the factories have crushed 951.79 lakh tonnes of sugarcane to produce 107.19 lakh tonnes of sugar at a recovery rate of 11.26 per cent.

Flood in Pune, Sangli, Satara, Solapur and Kolhapur districts, the sugar belt of Maharashtra, have majorly hit the sugarcane crops, which will ultimately be going to impact the sugarcane production in Maharashtra. Also, farmers have uprooted sugarcane in the severely drought-affected regions of the state to feed their animals as other green fodders were not available. In Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Khandesh around 5 per cent of sugarcane have been diverted as a fooder, whereas in Western Maharashtra, only leaves and top part of sugarcane which does not contain any sucrose content has been diverted.

According to the WISMA president, BB Thombare, “Around 35 sugar mills from Marathwada region, which have been affected by drought, and 15-20 mills in Solapur region may not be able to crush cane in the coming season.”

The unavailability of sugarcane will not only hamper sugar mills, but it will also affect overall sugarcane production in the state. The Maharashtra sugar production was expected to be around 70 to 75 lakh tonne in the crushing season 2019-2020, but experts believe it may fall to 12 to 15 per cent after the flood. It will also impact the crushing period due to less availability of sugarcane.

Answering on how many sugar mills will go for crushing in 2019-2020, Maharashtra Sugar Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad said that the picture will become clear when the Commissionerate takes stock of the number of mills that apply for crushing licences for the season. The last date for the crushing licenses is August 31, but it may be extended.

Also, sugar millers are asking for the crushing season to be delayed, which will give the standing cane crop in western Maharashtra as well as drought-hit Marathwada time to recover. ISMA president said instead of starting the crushing season on October 1; the season should start on November 15.

FSSAI Guidelines for packaging of Sugar Bags

Food labeling serves as a primary link of communication between the food manufacturer and consumer. Food labels provide information to help us make healthier and safer food choices. The goal of food labeling is to provide consumers with information that is factual & relevant.

Bulk consumers like ITC also emphasize that sugar millers should abide to the FSSAI guidelines while packaging of sugar which will protect the commodity from any atmospheric contamination or change in sensory properties or composition and enhance.

The FSSAI guidelines for packaging of sugar direct that:
The information on the label shall be in English or Hindi in Devnagri script. Any other language in addition may be used. The information shall not be false, misleading or deceptive.

Veg. Food Symbol – Required
Regulation provides that every package of “Vegetarian” food shall bear a green color filled circle inside a square with green outline
Symbol of Handling
Display symbol of “no hook” to be shown on any top corner of the bag
Brand Name/Logo – Required
The brand name of the product is to be mentioned. The name of the food shall include trade name or description of food contained in the package that describes the true nature of the food.
Commodity Name
It should contain the name of the commodity in which they will be “white crystal sugar” or “White refined sugar” etc.
Grade
The grade of the sugar should be mentioned
Method of Preparation – Required
It is important to mention the method of preparation
Manufactured By Declaration – Company Name with complete address
The name and complete address of the manufacturer and the manufacturing unit if these are located at different places.
FSSAI Logo – Required
The FSSAI logo
FSSAI License. No. – Required
License number shall be displayed on the label in the contrast of the background.
Net Weight Declaration including Pack Config. – Required
Net quantity by weight or volume or number, as the case may be, shall be declared on every package of food.
Manufacturing Date/Packaging Date – Required
In case best before date of the products is more than 3 months, month and year of manufacture or packing shall be declared. In case of shorter shelf life of less than 3 months the date, month and year of manufacture or packing shall be declared.
Best before Declaration
The month and year in capital letters up to which the product is best for consumption, in the following manner:
“BEST BEFORE …… MONTHS AND YEAR” OR
“BEST BEFORE …….. MONTHS FROM PACKAGING” OR
“BEST BEFORE …….MONTHS FROM MANUFACTURE”
Storage Condition – Store in a cool, dry & hygienic place
Nutritional Information (per 100g per serving size) – Optional
Packed at – if co-packedIn case the manufacturer is not the packer the name and complete address of the packing unit as the case may be.
MRP – Not Required
A batch number or code number or lot number shall be declared on the label.
Lot No. & Batch No. – Required
A batch number or code number or lot number shall be declared on the label.
Ingredient List – Not required for single ingredient food

Sugar mills to flout government’s August 31 deadline

Lucknow: August 31 deadline set by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is coming to an end but still sugar mills in the state have not cleared the sugarcane arrears. According to the reports, mills in the state still owe Rs 7,364.82 crore to farmers of the 2018-19 crushing season. It is expected that the millers will defy the deadline and also they will not be able to pay cane dues before the commencement of the upcoming crushing season.

The sugar mills have so far paid 77 per cent or Rs 25,682.87 crore to cane growers against the total cane payables of Rs 33,047 crore in the 2018-19 season. Thus, yet 23 per cent or Rs 7,364.82 crore is still pending. Out of the total pending dues, 95 per cent amount has to be paid by private sugar mills.

Sugarcane arrears in Uttar Pradesh are getting cleared at a snail pace; therefore CM Yogi Adityanath had served Agust 31 deadline to all mills for clearing the cane arrears. Keeping in view the delay in the payment clearing process, the CM Yogi Adityanath strictly instructed the officials that all the dues of cane growers should be paid by August.

On July 31 state cane commissioner, Manish Chauhan, held meeting with representatives of private mills and asked them to clear full cane dues before August 31, and also instructed them to complete their annual repairing and maintenance at the earliest, so that mills operations for the upcoming season can be started on time without any delay.

The Indian sugar sector is suffering from various hurdles from last two to three years, and to help the sugar mills, the government introduced various measures like soft loan scheme, hike in minimum selling price, scrapping of export duty, 100 per cent rise in import duty, and others. Millers claim that that surplus sugar production and low domestic sugar prices in the crushing season 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 have led to the build-up of cane price arrears.

To help the sugar mills to clear the cane dues, recently Central government had approved the creation of 40 Lakh tonnes sugar buffer stock for one year from August 1, 2019, to July 31, 2020. For this, the Central government would incur the estimated maximum expenditure of Rs 1,674 crore.

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Sugar industry workers demand salary hike; threatens to stage agitation outside commissioner’s office

Pune: Since long Maharashtra’s sugar industry workers have been demanding to set up tripartite committee to discuss the wages and other facilities for them, but yet it has not being formed. Following which they warned to launch an agitation outside the state sugar commissioner’s office on August 28. The wage agreement of sugar workers in the state expired on March 31, 2019.

Sugar workers play an important role in the upliftment of the sugar industry in India, and if they intensified their demonstration, then it may impact the functioning of the sugar sector.

Maharashtra Rajya Sakhar Kamgar Prathinidhi Mandal president Tatyasaheb Kale said, “From time to time workers have written to govt to form tripartite committee, but the file is pending at the Chief Minister’s office.”

Kale alleges sugar workers condition is terrible as they have not received a salary for 2 to 10 months. Along with the formation of the tripartite committee, sugar workers have other demands as well, including the hike of 40 per cent in wages in the new financial year.

Other major demands of sugar industry workers are:
Monthly washing allowance of Rs 400
Maternity leave for women workers
Monthly education allowance of Rs 500
Additional wages based on work hours
Minimum 15 paid leaves and benefits for deceased and retired workers
Seasonal hike of Rs 5,000 till a salary hike agreement is arrived at

Recently, workers federation met Sugar commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad and handed over a memorandum of demands. Over the issue on the formation of tripartite committee, Gaikwad said that it is not under the ambit of sugar commissionerate as it involves industry, energy and labour department.

Earlier also, a delegation of federation led by secretary Nitin Pawar met Sugar Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad and handed over the memorandum of demands on April 9.

Maharashtra sugar millers demand release of pending funds

Pune: On August 19 by giving relief to flood-affected victims, Maharashtra government had announced that the loans taken up by farmers holding land up to one hectare would be either waived off or paid by the state government. Now, the sugar millers in the state have requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to increase the loan waiver announced for farmers for up to two hectares.

Heavy rain and in Pune, Sangli, Satara and Kolhapur districts, the sugar belt of Maharashtra, have majorly hit the sugarcane crops. It has caused massive loss to the cane growers.

In a representation submitted to Fadnavis, Jayprakash Dandegaokar, chairman, Maharashtra State Cooperative Sugar Factories Federation ( MSCSFF) said, “The government should give a grant of Rs 50,000 per acre to farmers up to a maximum of 5 acres as sugarcane is submerged under flood water.”

Millers have also demanded the release of pending funds allocated by Centre to sugar mills to clear the cane arrears.

The flood had damaged crops on several thousand hectares in the region. With the harm to sugarcane, it may also impact the sugar output in Maharashtra. The state’s sugar production was expected to be around 70 to 75 lakh tonne in the crushing season 2019-2020, but experts believe it may fall to 12 to 15 per cent after the flood. It will also impact the crushing period due to less availability of sugarcane.

Like Maharashtra, even Karnatka faced the flood’s fury. As per the preliminary investigation, there has been a loss of 40 lakh tonnes of sugarcane in the Karnataka’s Belagvi district.

Sugarcane farmers who are already stressed with pending sugarcane arrears are now in the state of shock and struggling to come back on a track. Flood not only claimed lives but it also caused damage to the properties, crops and others worth thousands of crores. So far, 1,058 have lost their lives, and over 18 lakh people have been rescued across India by state and central agencies. In 152 districts, over 7,800 relief camps have been opened to give shelter to flood-affected people.

“This is an attempt to produce sugar for global competence at lower prices” – National Sugar Institute Director

A book on “CLARIFICATION OF SUGARCANE JUICE” written by Prof. Narendra Mohan, Director, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur was released by Shri Ravikant, Secretary (Food & Public Distribution) and Shri Suresh Vashishtha, Joint Secretary (Sugar & Admn), Government of India at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi on 10th August.

“We do not have desired books on sugar processing under Indian conditions. This is a commendable effort and we expect more such books from Prof. Mohan,.” said Shri Ravikant, Secretary (Food & Public Distribution), Government of India.

Shri Abinash Verma, Director General, Indian Sugar Mills Association lauded the effort made by Prof.Mohan and expressed his confidence that the book will help the entire sugar industry in its pursuit of making superior quality sugar with lesser inputs.

In conversation with ChiniMandi.com, Prof.Narendra Mohan, Director, National Sugar Institute said, “I am dedicating the book to all those concerned with the sugar industry. Need for a book on this subject matter was long felt as most of the books are by foreign authors based on their experiences on sugar cane juice qualities which are different from Indian cane juices. The book is an attempt to bring about the use technology and equipment under Indian conditions to produce sugar for global competence at lower prices.”

Flooding in Karnataka likely to hit sugar output

Belagvi: Already heavy rain in Maharashtra’s Pune, Sangli, Satara and Kolhapur districts wreaked havoc and brought life to a standstill, and now Karnataka is facing the furry of it. The flood has damaged crops in affected districts. Like other crops, excessive waterlogging caused hurt to sugarcane as well.

Flood has caused massive loss to the cane growers in Belagavi district. As per the preliminary investigation, there has been a loss of 40 lakh tonnes of sugarcane in the district. It is expected that, with the impact on sugarcane, it is likely to affect the sugar output in Karnataka. Sugar output in the state for season 2019-2020 was expected to be around 32 lakh tonne, but after the flood it may go down. Same is the case in Maharashtra, where it was presumed to be around 70 to 75 lakh tonne, but now experts believe sugar output may fall to 12 to 15 per cent after the flood. Once, the proper assessment comes after water level recedes, it will give a clear picture of how much impact flood caused to cane and its repercussions on sugar output in Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Sugarcane farmers who are already stressed with pending sugarcane arrears are now in the state of shock and struggling to come back on a track. Flood not only claimed lives but it also caused damage to the properties, crops and others worth thousands of crores. Industry bodies and political parties have also assessed the situation and suggest that only in Maharashtra flood caused the estimated loss of at least Rs 10,000 crore following the closure of industries, severe damage of crops, and others.

So far, 1,058 have lost their lives, and over 18 lakh people have been rescued across India by state and central agencies. In 152 districts, over 7,800 relief camps have been opened to give shelter to flood-affected people.

Vasantdada Sugar Institute to organise one day workshop

Pune: Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) is all set to organise a one day workshop on “Use of sugar, sugarcane juice, syrup and B-heavy molasses for enhancement of fuel ethanol production and recent Advances” for Chief Chemist and Distillery Manager in Pune on August 28, 2019. To deliberate on Ethanol issues and to create more awareness, it is jointly organized by VSI and MRSSK Sangh Ltd.

Two hundred delegates from sugar mills and distilleries from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat are likely to participate in this workshop.

The programme commencing on August 28 will feature talks by experts on important aspects of the sugar industry. Also, there will be an emphasis on the issue of reusing the sugar in stock for Ethanol production.

There will be 5 or 6 presentations on various issues and the latest advances which will be followed by an interactive session where all participants can raise their doubts and suggestions.
1. The registration for VSI member distillers will be free (for three participants only).

2. The registration fees for non- member distilleries will be Rs. 1500 per participants.

The tentative schedule of the sugar workshop will be 10.00 am to 16.00 pm, including lunch and tea.

For more details, you can contact on (020) 26902100 or send mail to (sanjaypatil399@gmail.com, rgodage@rediffmail.com, vandanpg@gmail.com).

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Chamundeshwari sugar mill gets August 25 deadline

Mandya: With the cane arrears getting cleared at snail pace in Karnataka, the government comes to an action mode and asked the mills to pay the dues at the earliest. Sri Chamundeshwari Sugar Mill in Maddur taluk likely to face action if it fails to pay the cane growers.

Keeping in view the delay in the payment clearing process, Deputy Commissioner M.V. Venkatesh asked the Sri Chamundeshwari Sugar Mill to clear the dues of sugarcane farmers by August 25.

According to the reports, sugar mill owes Rupees 13.07 crore to sugarcane farmers, who supplied cane for the current crushing season. Recently, Deputy Commissioner held a meeting with the mill officials, where they have been instructed to clear the dues.

Law says that sugar mills are liable to pay the price within 14 days of the procurement of the sugarcane, and it should pay dues at 15 per cent interest rate if the conditions are violated.

Sugarcane farmers in Karnataka have intensified their protest against mills and government for the pending cane dues. Earlier, the farmers’ delegation had met former Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy to make him aware of the farmers suffering. Following which, he assured the delegation clearance of dues by sugar mills.

Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar’s independent director Madhav Laxman Apte resigns

New Delhi: Sugar firm Bajaj Hindusthan’s independent director Madhav Laxman Apte has resigned from his post. He cited health ground for his resignation. “Received resignation letter from Madhav Laxman Apte from the post of independent director vide letter dated August 14, 2019” company said in a filing to the BSE. Apte has cited “age and health reasons” for tendering his resignation, company added in a filing. Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar operates 14 sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh. They have a crushing capacity of 1.36 lakh tonne per day.