Indian Sugar News

NFCSF announces National Efficiency Awards for cooperative sugar sector

National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd.(NFCSF), New Delhi has declared their 21 Efficiency Awards 2018-19 for the cooperative sugar mills across India. The awardees performance evaluation was done in streams viz., Cane Development, Technical Efficiency and Financial Management based on which maximum scoring mills were awarded. Out of 21 awards Maharashtra has bagged 10 awards and stood first position at national level followed by Uttar Pradesh, who received 4 awards, whereas cooperative sugar mills from Haryana, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu state have received two awards each respectively. Madhya Pradesh received one award at national level.

NFCSF is an apex body of all the Cooperative Sugar Factories in India numbering 258 cooperative sugar mills and 9 state Cooperative Federations. Liaisoning with all concerned ministries of Government of India & the PMO in policy advocacy viz. sugar, ethanol and by product is a major role played by NFCSF

NFCSF initiated its awards ceremonial function to promote the cooperative sugar mills since its Silver Jubilee Year 1985 under the Chairmanship of Chief Director (Sugar), Ministry of Food & Public Distribution, Department of Food & Public Distribution, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi; the awards 2018-19 are finalized on the basis of those mills who have recorded highest marks in the given steam & category and will be honored in the NFCSF’s Annual event scheduled to be held on 28th August, 2019 at Delhi.

This year record 99 Cooperative Sugar Mills across the country participated in the awards competition 2018-19. The factories have been categorized in two zones namely High Recovery Area (HRA) having recovery 10% and above include Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka. Other Recovery Area (ORA) below 10% recovery comes under state of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Those mills scoring highest marks in each group have been selected for efficiency awards.

The prestigious award of The Best Coop Sugar Mills in India has been bagged by Chhattrapati Shahu SSK Ltd., Kagal, Kolhapur in Maharashtra.

Apart from this there will be two awards one each for high and other recovery area for highest cane crushing, achieving highest sugar recovery and for maximum export of sugar. For overall Best Cooperative Sugar Factory, there will be two awards one each for high recovery and other recovery area.

List of remaining awards:-

Category: Cane Development Award
High Recovery Area
1. Shri Datta Shetkari SSK Ltd.,Shirol, Maharashtra
2. Padmahushan Krantiveer Dr. Nagnathanna Nayakawadi Hutatma Kisan Ahir SSK Ltd., Walwe, Sangli, Maharashtra

Other Recovery Area
1. The Ganga Kisan Sahkari Chini Mills Ltd., Morna, Uttar Pradesh
2. Navalsingh Sahakari Sakkar Karkhana Mydt., Burhanpur., Madhya Pradesh

Category: Technical Efficiency Award
High Recovery Area
1. Shri Vighnahar SSK Ltd., Junnar, Pune, Maharashtra
2. Shree Pandurang SSK Ltd., Shreepur, Malshiras, Solapur, Maharashtra

Other Recovery Area
1. The Kisan Sahakari Chini Mills Ltd., Sathiaon, Uttar Pradesh
2. The Kaithal Cooperatve Sugar Mills Ltd., Kaithal, Haryana

Category: Financial Management Award
High Recovery Area
1. Vilas Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd., Latur, Maharashtra
2. Sahakarmaharshi Bhausaheb Thorat SSK Ltd., Sangamner, Amrutnagar, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra

Other Recovery Area
1. Subramaniya Siva Coop. Sugar Mills Ltd., Gopalapuram, Dharmapuri. Tamil Nadu
2. Kallakurichi II Coop. Sugar Mills Ltd., Villupuram, Tamil Nadu

Category: Highest Cane Crushing Award
High Recovery Area
Jawahar Shetkari Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd., Hupari, Maharashtra

Other Recovery Area
The Shahabad Coop. Sugar Mills Ltd., Haryana

Category: Highest Sugar Recovery Award
High Recovery Area
Sadashivrao Mandlik Kagal Taluka SSK Ltd, Kolhapur, Kagal, Maharashtra

Other Recovery Area
The Kisan Sahakari Chini Mills Ltd., Powayan, Uttar Pradesh

Category: Overall Best Cooperative Sugar Factory Award
High Recovery Area
Sahakari Khand Udyog Mandal Ltd., Gandevi, Gujarat

Other Recovery Area
Kisan Sahakari Chini Mills Ltd., Sneh Road, Nazibabad , Uttar Pradesh

Category: Maximum Sugar Exports Award
High Recovery Area
1. Shree Narmada Khand Udyog Sahakari Mandli Ltd., Timbi, Gujarat
2. Karmayogi Shankarraoji Patil Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd., Indapur SSK Ltd., Mahatma Phulenagar,, Pune Maharashtra

Category: Vasantdada Patil Award for the Best Cooperative Sugar Mill on All India Basis
High Recovery Area
Shree Chhatrapati Shahu SSK Ltd., Kagal, Kolhapur, Maharashtra

Sharad Pawar seeks complete loan waiver for farmers in flood affected Kolhapur and Sangli

After visiting the flood ravaged parts of Kolhapur and Sangli and taking into account the “unprecedented” loss caused to agriculture former Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar demanded a complete loan waiver for farmers. He said that the Government should announce to waive farms loans of cultivators in these western Maharashtra districts and there should be a speedy assessment of the damage caused by the floods to arrive at the adequate compensation amount for the affected people. He also claimed the government machinery is virtually absent in the flood-affected areas.

Pawar said Sangli and Kolhapur districts are part of the major sugarcane belts and the entire crop is under water. Vasantdada Sugar Institute, have formed ten distinct teams of sugar experts, who would visit the flood-affected region after the situation improves. All these experts will look into measures to save the sugarcane crop and wherever the crop has been destroyed, the experts will provide seeds to farmers,” he said.

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Domestic sugar prices witness uptrend of ₹50/Qntl after announcement of Monthly Sugar Quota for Sale in August 2019

ChiniMandi Mumbai: The announcement of the August month’s sugar quota took an uptrend in the market along with the dawn of the festive season. Sugar millers across the country had been striving hard to sell sugar despite record extended summer. The announced quota has improved sentiments in the market and sugar prices have improved by Rs.50-60/Qntl nationwide. Positive market sentiments have been flagging more rise in sugar prices by Rs.25-50/Qntl continued with hopes of higher demand led by firm mill tender rates. Finally sugar millers in Maharashtra are able to sell sugar at Rs.3100/Qntl effortlessly.

Millers also seem optimistic in improving their cash flow and the financial position which had been influenced by weak selling, cane arrears and monsoon conditions since the past few months.

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

The industry is now expecting that the Government would also take up appropriate decisions quickly and swiftly for announcing the new export policy. These actions may result in continuity in positive sentiments for sugar prices supported by festival and export demand.

Indian Sugar Season 2019-20 to commence with opening stock of 150 LMT

The Indian sugar production once again is on a verge to clock record production and sugar stocks also seem to be at an all time high. The sugar season 2018-19 began with an opening stock of 107 LMT and seeing the production numbers so far, the country will again witness sugar production approximately 330 LMT thanks to special sugar season in Tamil Nadu as well as South Karnataka.

The Government has been contemplating to find an indubitable and significant solution to bail out the sugar mills and sugarcane farmers from the crisis through several measures take up since the last couple of months. Out of them fixing Minimum Selling Price of sugar, Reintroduction of mill wise quota to regulate sales, MIEQ and incentives to mills to export sugar, announcement of higher price for ethanol produced out of B Heavy Molasses and cane juice, interest subvention and soft loans for ethanol capacity expansion have so far played a vital role.

Recently, the Government also 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.

The state-wise buffer stock (in MT) allocation is as follows:

State Stock in MT
Andhra Pradesh 65991
Bihar 111227
Chhattisgarh 19794
Goa 731
Gujarat 112776
Haryana 93174
Karnataka 435477
Madhya Pradesh 44083
Maharashtra 1404926
Orissa 998
Punjab 111449
Rajasthan 2101
Tamil Nadu 75877
Telangana 13742
Uttar Pradesh 1437893
Uttarakhand 67860
Total 3998099 MT
In the current year, the nation also witnessed partial weather issues in some parts of Maharashtra being dry and the area under sugarcane cultivation therefore is expected to be lower. Poor availability of water last year and this year has discouraged farmers to grow the 18 month Adsali crop which gives maximum yield.

Looking at the dispatch numbers in the domestic market till 30th June 2019 a total of 187 LMT has been released for sale in the domestic market. Taking into consideration the average statewise release in first 9 months and extrapolating the same for the months of July, August, September quarter, the domestic consumption is expected to be 250 LMT. Reports also suggest decline of FMCG sector including the aerated beverage industry which directly affects the sugar industry.

Also, as per industry sources sugar exports have totaled to 35 LMT till June 30. The industry also anticipates that the export numbers may touch 37.5 LMT. If we further analyse the data, the sugar season 2019-20 is likely to commence with an opening stock of 150 LMT with state wise figures as below:

State Opening stock (LMT)
Uttar Pradesh 55
Maharashtra 52
Karnataka 15
Other States 28
Total 150 LMT
We will be ending the sugar season with a stock to use ratio of 6.7 months which is extremely burdensome even after optimistically assuming to get balanced sugarcane crop next year as a result of decline in sugarcane area.

Indian sugar export campaign of 2018-19 sugar season has been very decent and almost 37.5 LMTs got placed in various sugar importing countries. A similar push is required again from govt so that India hit backs to the usual carry out stocks of 50-60 LMT considering 40 LMT is buffer and therefore at least of export 60 LMTs for which everyone is waiting eagerly for central Govt. to announce next export policy.

Note: The above analysis is done basis Quota however, the market believes that the actual dispatch has been lesser and hence opening stock may vary and be even higher than 150 LMT.

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Govt Fixes 19 LMT Monthly Sugar Quota for Sale in August 2019

ChiniMandi Delhi, 31st July 2019: In a notification issued on 31st day of July 2019, the food ministry has allocated 19 LMT monthly sugar quota for August to each of 535 mills in India along with added incentivised quota to those mills who have completed their export targets under MIEQ Quota. Column 4 of the table includes both, the allocated quota and the incentivised 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 August 2019 stock holding limit has been worked out on the basis of giving 100% weightage to the month end notional stock for the month of July 2019.
The notional month-end stock for the month of July 2019, has been worked out on the basis of month end stock for June, 2019 (as reported on P-II) and subtracting actual release for July 2019. Since most of the mills have stopped operations during July 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 July 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 August 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 August, 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 August 2019.

Show Cause Notices (SCNs) was issued to the sugar mills for violation of stock holding order for the month of March 2019. Except 6 sugar mills, replies to SCNs have been received from other sugar mills which are under examination. The excess quantity sold by the said 6 sugar mills have been deducted from the proposed allocation in the month of August 2019.

In the previous month the Govt. allocated 20.5 lakh MT monthly sugar sale quota to 534 mills in the country. August month’s quota is likely to bring sweetness in the market as the dawn of the festive season is nearing. Sugar millers will also be able to maintain the demand supply balance, stabilize the prices of sugar and to improve their liquidity position by the recently taken step of the Government of creation of sugar buffer stock of 40 LMT. Positive sentiments for sugar prices supported by festival and export demand are likely to keep the market flow smooth.

6 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 March 2019. Except 6 sugar mills, replies to SCNs have been received from other sugar mills which are under examination. The excess quantity sold by the said 6 sugar mills have been deducted from the proposed allocation in the month of August 2019.

Sugarcane farmers seek permission for suicide

Solapur: Like Uttar Pradesh, sugarcane farmers in Maharashtra too are awaiting for their sugarcane dues to be cleared. Sugarcane farmers, who gave their sugarcane to sugar mills in Solapur have intensified their protest due to non-payment of cane arrears. They staged a demonstration at the district collector office and submitted a letter to the government official. In a letter, the farmers requested collector to allow them to commit suicide, as they are not able to meet daily needs as their hard-earned money is pending with the mill. Sugar mills in India owe Rs 15,850 crore to sugarcane farmers. In cane arrears, Uttar Pradesh is the leading state followed by Maharashtra. 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. Sugar mills claim that due to unsold sugar stocks, sugar surplus, low sugar prices, they are unable to pay the cane dues. Audio Player

August Month’s Sugar Quota likely to bring sweetness to the market

August month’s quota is likely to bring sweetness in the market as the dawn of the festive season is nearing. Sugar millers across the country have been striving hard to sell sugar despite record Extended summer and now look upto the festival demand to improve their cash flow and the financial position which has been influenced with weak selling, 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.

The industry expects that the Government would also take up appropriate decisions quickly and swiftly for announcing the new export policy.
These actions may result in Positive sentiments for sugar prices supported by festival and export demand .

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Government to look for alternatives to revive Sanjivani sugar mill

Porvorim: Controversy over Sanjivani Sugar Factory is refusing to die down. In the latest development, Co-operation Minister Govind Gaude assured the Goa Legislative Assembly that mill will not be shut and if the crisis continues then alternative products such as ethanol would be considered as a replacement.

He assured cane growers that if the mill does not operate in a new season, then they should not get panic. Earlier, Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant had stated, “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.”

The mill has registered a loss of Rs 101.22 crore due to unavailability of sugarcane and various reason. Government, after studying the feasibility of continuing the factory will take any decision related to the mill as measures will be taken.

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.

Sugarcane farmers unsatisfied over Chief Minister’s decision to upload crop details on portal

Rohtak: Soon after Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar asked sugarcane farmers to upload crop details on ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal before July 31, farmers have expressed dissatisfaction over the decision. They claim that the time given by Haryana government is very less, as it is very difficult to upload data before July 31.

Farmers warned the government to withdraw the deadline and to extend it as many farmers don’t have access to the internet.

Recently, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched the portal www.fasalhry.in for the farmers, and asked cane growers to upload crop-related details on the portal to avail benefits of several government schemes directly. Following which in the next season, sugar mills will buy cane from those farmers only who enrolled their crops details on the portal.

The state government has ordered all sugarcane managers to make sure that the details get upload before the deadline. In future, procurement of sugarcane, cane payment, and other important works will be done through this portal only.

Haryana Government makes effort for the betterment of sugarcane farmers

Rohtak: Like other crops, now the Haryana Government has decided to register sugarcane through online registration on ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal. It aims to bring transparency in the working of sugar mills in the state. Recently, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched the portal www.fasalhry.in for the betterment of the farmers.

Farmers can avail benefits of several government schemes directly after uploading their crop-related details on the portal. Under this decision, the sugarcane farmers through this simple system will have to self-report their land and crop details before 31 July. Following which in the next season, sugar mills will buy cane from those farmers only who enrolled their crops details on the portal.

The state government has ordered all sugarcane managers to make sure that the details get upload before the deadline. In future, procurement of sugarcane, cane payment, and other important works will be done through this portal only.

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Policy to boost sugar exports should be announced this month: ISMA

New Delhi: From time to time, the government is taking various efforts to boost the financial condition of sugar mills. To reduce sugar surplus, cane arrears and address the concerns of the troubled sugar industry, government recently approved the creation of 40 Lakh tonnes sugar buffer stock from August 1, 2019, to July 31, 2020. Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) believes this step would help the sugar industry to perform better despite lower sugarcane availability in the upcoming season.

According to the ISMA, drought conditions in Maharashtra, and Karnataka is likely to hit the sugarcane production in India. It will hamper the sugar out, which may fall from 33 MMT this year to 28 to 28.2 MMT next year. ISMA Director General Avinash Verma said, “The production figure would still be slightly higher than domestic requirements and next season would be better than last two seasons.”

Next season may bring good news for cash strapped sugar industry in the form of hike in sugar sales, an increase in sugar export, and revenue generation from Ethanol production. Ultimately, this will aid in clearing the sugarcane arrears smoothly.

Giving a little relief, Central government on July 25 has fixed 10,000 tonnes of (raw and/or white sugar) sugar export quota from 01 November 2019 to 30 September 2020 to the European Union (EU) under a CXL concession.

According to the reports, the Government is also mulling over framing new sugar export policy to reduce the sugar glut in India. ISMA said, “A policy to boost sugar exports to reduce the sugar surplus should be announced this month.”

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Government keeps sugarcane FRP unchanged

New Delhi: Central government keeps 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.

Earlier, the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices has recommended keeping the FRP unchanged at Rs 275 per quintal for 2019-20 season.

Sugar mills in India have been claiming 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, and due to which they are bearing looses. And they were in fear that if government hikes FRP for 2019-20 season, then it will add burden on them as there is a mismatch between the production cost and sale price of sugar.

As per the latest report, sugar mills in India owe whopping Rs 15,222 crore for the current season. Due to non-payment of cane dues, farmers from various states have intensified their protest and putting pressure on the government to get their dues cleared. Millers claim that that excess sugar production and depressed domestic sugar prices in the crushing season 2017-2018, and 2018-2019 have led to an accumulation of cane price arrears.

Relief to sugar industry: Government approves 40 lakh tonnes sugar buffer stock for 2019-20

New Delhi: As per reports, in a big relief to the sugar Industry, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 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.

Following the record sugar production, the sugar sector is reeling under the pressure of excess sugar; therefore, there was a demand for high buffer stock. In June, the cabinet note for the creation of buffer stock of 50 lakh tonnes was prepared, but it failed to get the nod due to fund scarcity.

The sugar buffer stock for the 2018-19 season is 30 lakh tonne, which ended on Jun 30.

According to the reports, the government has also decided to keep the minimum cane buying price for the next season steady.

According to the latest data, sugar mills in India owe sugarcane farmers Rs 15,222 crore. The Indian sugar sector is suffering from various hurdles from last two to three years, and to help the sugar mills, among creating buffer stocks, the government had also 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.

Sugar mill gets ultimatum to clear cane dues before August 22

Ambala: The mounting cane arrear in Haryana has put sugarcane farmers in financial distress. Also, cane growers in the state upped the ante against the sugar mills and government over pending payments. Farmers have threatened to launch an agitation over pending cane arrears. Cane growers are angry against Naraingarh Sugar Mills Limited as they have not received arrears of sugarcane which they sold to sugar mills. They held a mahapanchayat in Naraingarh over cane dues and served the deadline of August 22 to clear the dues or else will face the heat.

After getting the information of mahapanchayat, government officials including Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Naraingarh reached the spot and discussed with the farmers’ union.

According to the reports, sugar mill still owes sugarcane farmers around Rs 100 crore, and the bank has agreed to give a loan of Rs 50 crore on the guarantee of the state government. Sugarcane farmers were assured that soon their dues would be cleared as soon as mill get the loan.

If the mill fails to clear the arrears, then matter is likely to escalate as farmers may stage a demonstration. BKU (Charuni) chief Gurnam Singh Charuni said, “The union has served an ultimatum to hold another mahapanchayat on August 22 if dues don’t get cleared,”

Aditi, CEO, Zila Parishad talking to a leading news website said, “The mill will get a loan of Rs 50 crore from the HARCO. Efforts are being made to clear farmers’ dues at the earliest.”

Sugar mill citing depressed sugar prices and scarcity of money as a reason in delay in clearing the cane dues.

India claims sugar subsidies are in line with WTO obligations; blocks rivals request for dispute panels

New Delhi: India has blocked Brazil, Australia, and Guatemala’s request at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for setting up of dispute panels against its subsidies for sugar mills and sugarcane farmers.

According to the reports, during a meeting of the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) on July 21, India contended its subsidies were in line with WTO obligations and requested three countries to arrive at mutually agreed solution.

The next DSB meeting is scheduled on August 15, where three countries can renew their request for setting up of dispute panels. And as per the WTO norms, India can not block the second request. The countries allege India’s sugar subsidies are inconsistent with global trade rules and distorting the sugar market. Also, they claim it aids in building a global sugar surplus, which is ultimately affecting the farmers and millers of their respective countries.

As per reports, the government is mulling over formulating new sugar export policy to reduce surplus and address the concerns of the beleaguered sugar industry. And by without infringing WTO rules, India can tweak its sugar export subsidies.

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Sugarcane arrears increased by 54 times in one year

New Delhi: As sugar mills are facing liquidity issue, sugarcane arrears have increased by 54 times in just one year, said Danve Raosaheb Dadarao, MoS, Ministry of Consumer Affairs in reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha. Sugar mills in India, who is suffering from surplus sugar, owe sugarcane farmers whopping 15,565 crore, which was Rs 285 crore in the previous year.

Farmers from major sugar-producing states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and others are the most affected due to the financial scarcity of sugar mills. The maximum amount of cane arrears owed by sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh followed by Maharashtra.

Danve Raosaheb Dadarao said in Rajya Sabha, “With an aim to assist sugar mills and improve their financial position to clear cane arrears, the government has increased the minimum selling price of sugar from Rs 29 to Rs 31 per kg.”

Due to non-payment of sugarcane dues, farmers from various states have intensified their protest.

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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Cooperative banks have more than Rs 5,700 crore exposure to sugar mills

Lucknow: During the 2018-19 crushing season, Cooperative banks in the major sugar-producing state, Uttar Pradesh, had an exposure of Rs 5,747 crore to the sugar Industry. Under various central and state government schemes, Rs 4,492-crore as regular loans and Rs 1,255 crore as soft loans were provided to sugar mills.

Mukut Bihari Verma, UP cooperative minister, claims cooperative banks have made a significant contribution in tackling the problem of farmers’ arrears by giving loans to mills.

Few months ago, the government announced a soft loan of up to Rs 10,540 crore to the sugar industry to help mills clear mounting arrears to cane growers.

According to the reports, sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh owe sugarcane farmers around 9,792 crore till July 16. UP CM Yogi Adityanth had warned sugar mills of strong action in case of non-payment of sugarcane dues. He had stated that the delay in clearing the arrears of sugarcane farmers would not be tolerated and directed the officials to ensure that sugar mill owners make the full payment of sugarcane farmers by August.

The government had introduced various measures, including a soft loan scheme, hike in the minimum selling price of sugar and others to help sugar mills clear mounting cane arrears. But, millers failed to clear it, citing surplus sugar and depressed sugar prices.

Sugar mills in India owe Rs 15,850 crore to sugarcane farmers

New Delhi: Sugar mills in India, which has seen a glut in production, owe sugarcane farmers whopping Rs 15,850 crore as on July 16, according to the government.

Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs, Danve Raosaheb Dadarao, informed in Rajya Sabha, “The maximum amount of cane arrears owed by sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh, which stands at Rs 9,792 crore, followed by Maharashtra at Rs 1,231 crore.”

The government had introduced various measures, including a soft loan scheme, hike in the minimum selling price of sugar and others to help sugar mills clear mounting cane arrears. But, millers failed to clear it, citing surplus sugar and depressed sugar prices.

“No plans to close sugar mill”

Panaji: Giving a respite to sugarcane farmers, Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant said that as of now the state has no plans to shut down the Sanjivani Sugar factory immediately. He asked the agriculture department to recognize the farmers who are relied on this mill and can grow other crops.

The mill has registered a loss of Rs 101.22 crore and government after studying the feasibility of continuing the factory will take any decision related to the mill.

Sawant said, “The mill is not being shut. We want to study the feasibility of the mill.”

The government made sure that sugarcane produced by farmers will be bought at the market price. Sawant said, “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.”

Sanjivani Sugar factory will not operate in next season, Government exploring alternates

Panaji: Sugarcane farmers in Goa were hoping that the state-owned Sanjivani sugar factory will commence soon, but the state government has announced that the mill will not start in the next season.

The mill has registered a loss of Rs 101.22 crore and government after studying the feasibility of continuing the factory will take any decision related to the mill.

Cooperation Minister Govind Gaude informed that the mill faced the annual loss of Rs 8.71 crore due to several issues including unavailability of sugarcane. “Government is also examining the options of renovating/ upgrading the factory or shutting it down forever,” he further added.

The government made sure that sugarcane produced by farmers will be bought at the market price. State chief minister Pramod Sawant said, “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.”

DSTA appoints SK Marwadkar in council

Pune: The Deccan Sugar Technologists’ Association (DSTA) organised council election on 18th July 2019. The declared result brings good news for Shri.S.K.Marwadkar from Meru industries LLP. He has been elected unopposed for the post of sugar machinery manufacturer for the council of the year 2019 to 2022.

Being a council member, Marwadkar will work for sugar mills by providing free advice related to machinery.

DSTA works in Gujarat, Maharashtra, North Karnataka for the welfare of sugar mills. Association time to time arranges conferences and research paper presentation for the sugar industry.

FSSAI’s “Red” Warning for sugar content foods worries the sugar producers

Kolkata: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently proposed changes for the FMCG sector where the packaged food companies are to label high fat, sugar and salt content levels on the front side of the package with a code of “Red” colour.

However, the above changes have not been keenly appreciated by the food companies in fact it has created worries amongst the sugar producers because around 70 to 75 percent of packaged food currently available in the market will be coded by “red” colour if this rule is implemented.

The Indian sugar producers which are already under crisis of depressed sugar prices and piling sugar stocks, have now become more worried as the FSSAI’s rule could come as a major blow to them where the sugar bags would have a “red” colour code that depicts that consumption of sugar is harmful for health.

While mentoring as Chairman of S.N Gundurao Memorial Lecture 2019 at STAI’s convention in progress at Kolkata, Mr. Prakash Naiknavare, Managing Director, National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF) termed this as a impropriate move at an impropriate time. “The industry currently has its back against the wall with a record inventory of the previous season and the current season and most importantly, there is no evidence to suggest that the consumption of sugar is harmful. Anything consumed in excess is harmful and in a country like India, sugar is the cheapest source of energy. One cannot club sugar in the same class as alcohol, cigarettes and white cocaine.”

“Sugar is a food item essential in terms of requisite blood sugar and energy for the body. It is not an intoxicant requiring statutory warnings. The pressure groups working against sugar and lobbying with governments across the world need to instead focus on educating the need for active lifestyles.

India permits sugar export to America

Sugar mills in India are saddled with surplus sugar stocks and exploring for ways to diminish this grim situation. To reduce the glut, experts believe export is the only viable option. Considering the current scenario, the government under tariff rate quota (TRQ) allowed the export of 1,239 tonnes of raw sugar to America. It will enable the shipments to enjoy relatively low tariff.

TRQ allows a low tariff rate to be imposed on imports of a given product within a specified quantity and requires a high tariff rate to be imposed on imports exceeding that quantity.

Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in a released public notice said, “Additional quantity of 1,239 tonnes of raw cane sugar to be exported to USA under TRQ up to September 30, 2019, has been notified. Under a preferential quota arrangement, India can export duty-free sugar to America up to 10,000 tonnes annually.

Recently, various countries have cornered India by knocking the door at WTO over export subsidies. They allege country’s subsidies are inconsistent with global trade rules and distorting the sugar market.

The Indian government is also mulling over framing new sugar export policy to reduce surplus and address the concerns of the beleaguered sugar industry.

“It is the need of the day that we have to think about true replacement of sugarcane variety Co 0238 with an elite early maturing variety CoS 08272” – Ex Senior Breader & Sugarcane Consultant, Sugarcane Research Institute, Shahjahanpur, UP

Kolkata: Improving sugarcane production will help in prosperity of the farmers and other stakeholders associated with the sugarcane cultivation. Currently, the prime concern of cane growers and the sugar industry is to achieve higher sugarcane productivity and higher sugar recovery, both of which support maximum economic returns. The wider spatial and temporal variations in soil characteristics are the major constraint for achieving the maximum cane productivity.

While speaking at the 77th Annual Convention and International Sugar Expo happening in Kolkata, Dr. Ram Kushal Singh – Senior Breader & Sugarcane Consultant and Ex Head, Biotechnology & Sugarcane Breeder at Sugarcane Research Institute, Shahjahanpur has expressed his views that, “Few sugar mills in eastern Uttar Pradesh had faced various constraints earlier in sugar production with respect to environmental constraints like: water logging, non-availability of quality seed due larger area occupied by rejected varieties, late planting, non synchronised tillering, lack of 50-60 percent suitable early maturing varieties, sustainability of crop, uneconomic ratoon crop, low sprouting in winter seasons, sucrose losses in field due to delay in cut to crush and also constraints in sugar mechanization due to low land holdings.

The major factor responsible for lower productivity were lack of proper varietal balance with high sugar and high yielding varieties, un-balanced an delayed application of fertilizer, inadequate irrigation resources and uncared ratoon crop which has around 50% of the total cane area.

Improved premium early maturing high sugar varieties could played a major role in increasing sugarcane and sugar productivity. Theses sugarcane varieties are generally selected under optimal conditions. Hence, those varieties may not be able to tolerate the unfavourable weather conditions of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Over the years, the Indian Sugar Industry lacks sustainability of sugarcane, sugar production and profitability. Keeping in view the prevailing sugarcane production technologies can be improved by adopting sustainable sugarcane production technologies and premium early maturing sustainable high sugar varieties having multiple resistance against prevailing diseases and pests.

Recovery can be improved further by maintaining first, second and third ratoon with CoS 08272 in about 50 per cent area of these promising varieties dominated by CoS 08272 with better crop husbandry, wider spacing, reducing cut to crush losses and adopting maturity wise harvesting schedule.”

“Sustainable sugarcane cultivation is possible by adopting suitable sugar yield increasing varieties and cost reducing technologies. CoS 08272 – an elite early maturing, high sugar, high plant and ratoon yielding wonder variety of sugarcane for Uttar Pradesh having moderately resistance against multiple diseases and pests. It is a farmer friendly and industry loving variety. Nowadays, Co238 is badly affected by multiple diseases specially with red rot incidence and pests. It is the need of the day that we have to think about true replacement of Co 0238 with an elite early maturing variety CoS 08272” he added.

Double sulphitation to raw/refined sugar will help the Indian sugar industry to capture export markets and meet bulk consumers requirement – Sanjay Awasthi

The Sugar Technologists’ Association of India (STAI) has organized its 77th Annual Convention and International Sugar Expo 2019 from 17-19 July 2019 at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata, West Bengal. This is the largest congregation of sugar fraternity taking place in the city of joy -Kolkata for the first time.

Nearly 750-800 delegates comprising of managers, technologists, engineers, agronomists, research scientists and technology developers from sugar and allied industries have participated in the Convention from India and overseas. 70 research papers on latest innovations will be presented by renowned technocarats in the area of sugarcane agriculture, factory engineering, factory processing, co-products.

In conjunction with the Convention, International Sugar Expo 2019 has also be organized where about 60 to 70 technology developers from India and abroad will show case their technologies and products relating to manufacture of raw / refined sugar, specialty chemicals, alcohol and fuel ethanol, biomass and/or biogas based cogeneration power plants, pollution control technologies, bio-manure etc.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Sanjay Awasthi President, STAI said that at present the Indian Sugar Industry is in transformational stage with lot of opportunities and happenings coming to its way. Today India has achieved the milestone of being the largest sugar producing country in the world surpassing Brazil. However, to maintain its status as largest sugar producing country, the industry will have to change its process from double sulphitation to raw/refined sugar. This will help the industry not only to capture export markets but also meet bulk consumers’/beverages requirement in the country as well”.

Mr. Awasthi further added that the game changer for the Indian Sugar Industry has been the Govt of India’s new Bio-Fuel Policy – 2018 which allows production of ethanol through B heavy molasses as well as with the direct sugarcane syrup for blending with petrol. In near future this will not only make the industry sustainable but can also be an import substitute to crude oil. The automobile industry is also enthusiastic about its prospects as TVS Motors is shortly going to launch its popular model Apache 200 fully run on ethanol”.

Distribution of Awards

STAI recognizes the contribution of eminent industry professionals towards the growth and development of the Indian sugar industry. In order to encourage original research work and innovation in sugar allied industries, the Association conferred the following awards. This year’s awards were handed out by the Chief Guest during the inaugural session.

❖ Life Time Achievement Awards

❖ Industry Excellence Awards

❖ Isgec Gold Medal, Engineering for Excellence

❖ J.P. Mukherji Gold Medal, for Best Engineer of the Year

❖ Dr. Bansi Dhar Gold Medal, for Conservation of Energy

❖ Dr P J Manohar Rao Gold Medal for Excellence in Co-Products

❖ Noel Deer Gold Medal, for Research papers

❖ STAI Silver Medals, for Research papers

The biggest congregation of the Sugar Industry commences at Kolkata

The 77th Annual Convention & International Sugar Expo organised by The Sugar Technologists Association of India at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata commences today.

The convention would leave no stone unturned in presenting opportunities of meeting, learning and interacting with the who’s who of the Sugar Fraternity. In conjunction with the Convention, an International Sugar Expo 2019 has also been arranged where the delegates will have an opportunity to meet and interact with nearly 80 service providers ranking from turn-key sugar plant manufacturers to small and medium enterprises who would be displaying their latest products, processes and services.

While addressing the gathering the President of STAI, Mr. Sanjay Awasthi expressed that, “At present the Indian Sugar Industry is in transformational stage with ample opportunities available for diversification towards green bio-based products and in particular bio-ethanol. Diversion of sugarcane juice to ethanol can be a long term solution to the industry woes and can pave the way for a profitable and sustainable industry taking care of all its stake holders – growers, sugar mills, technology providers and consumers.”

“The 3 days event will see in-depth deliberations and exchange of ideas among the researchers, technocrats, growers and policy makers to build road map for the inclusive growth and development of the sugar and allied industries,” he added.

Mr. Ranjit Puri – Chairman, Saraswati Sugar Mills, marks his presence as the Chief Guest of the event.

The inaugural ceremony has been graced by dignitaries like Hon. Shri. Kallappa Awade – Founder Chairman Jawahar SSSK Ltd, Mr.Prakash Naiknavare – MD National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories, Mr.Narendra Mohan – Director, National Sugar Institute, Mr. Sanjay Awasthi – President, STAI and many more veterans of the industry.

Sugar stocks surge on report India to keep sugar export subsidies

Mumbai: Soon after the news emerged that India will keep its sugar export subsidiess, sugar stocks on July 16 climbed higher.

Following the Indian sugar subsidies, Brazil, along with Australia, knocked the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) door to get respite. They asked WTO to form a panel to resolve their sugar dispute. According to the reports, without getting affected by the rival complaints, India is likely to continue sugar export subsidies, but it will modify how it provides them.

Till 10.10 am, shares of Uttam Sugar Mills rose 15 per cent to Rs 137, Triveni Engineering gained 2.98 per cent, while Balrampur Chini Mills surged 3.81 per cent. Mawana Sugars rallied 4.76 per cent and Avadh Sugar witness hike of 4.54 per cent.

Following the record sugar production, the sugar sector is reeling under the pressure of excess sugar; therefore, export believes there is a dire need for export. As Indian sugar Industry is suffering from various hurdles from last two to three years, and to bring the sector out of the crisis, the government had 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.

According to the reports, India’s exports rose to 3.3 MMT from 620,000 tonnes a year earlier. Which has prompted the rival countries to lodge complain at WTO stating India’s sugar subsidies are inconsistent with global trade rules and distorting the sugar market.

The government is mulling over framing new sugar export policy to reduce surplus and address the concerns of the beleaguered sugar industry.

India stands strong: Not affected by rival complaints, likely to tweak sugar export subsidies

To bring Indian sugar Industry out of the crisis, government had introduced various measures including subsidies to sugar mills and sugarcane farmers. Following which various leading sugar countries tried to put pressure on India by knocking the door of World Trade Organization (WTO). But it seems nothing can affect India to boost the sugar industry and strengthen the financial condition of the sugar mills and farmers.

According to the reports, recently even after Brazil and Australia lodged complained at WTO regarding Indian sugar subsidies, India is likely to continue sugar export subsidies, but it will modify how it provides them.

The government is planning over framing new sugar export policy to reduce surplus and address the concerns of the beleaguered sugar industry.

As the sugar Industry in India needs support for exports, therefore the government is working on a framework without infringing WTO rules. Also, to make things simpler and for better understanding, the government is taking assistance from WTO experts.

Following the record sugar production, the sugar sector is reeling under the pressure of excess sugar; therefore, export believes there is a dire need for export. As Indian sugar Industry is suffering from various hurdles from last two to three years, and to bring the sector out of the crisis, the government had 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.

Recently, Brazil, along with Australia, asked WTO to form a panel to resolve their dispute over Indian sugar subsidies. Rival countries allege that India’s sugar subsidies are inconsistent with global trade rules and distorting the sugar market. Also, they claim it also aids in building global surplus sugar, which is ultimately affecting the farmers and millers of their respective countries.

Sugarcane farmers intensified protest outside sugar mill

Hyderabad: Like Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, sugarcane farmers in Telangana too are awaiting for their sugarcane dues to be cleared.

Sugarcane farmers, who gave their sugarcane to Trident sugar factory in Kottur have 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 2018-2919 season at the earliest.

As sugarcane farmers are vote bank, eyeing which local political parties have also extended their support them.

Farmers allege that they are having a tough time to meet their daily requirement due to non-payment of cane bills.

Earlier, the mill had moved to Telangana High Court challenging the order of the Central government in allowing it to sell only limited stocks of sugar present in mill’s godown. Following which court allowed sugar company to sell stocks.

Mill claims due to sugar glut, depressed sugar prices, they are unable to accumulate money, therefore, it is finding it difficult to clear the cane dues.

Sugar mills can directly sell ethanol to consumers

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

Recently, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari proposed that sugar mills set up ethanol fuel pumps in their premises.

According to the reports, to boost the higher ethanol production, Maharashtra government is likely to allow easier funding for sugar factories by the Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank, which is their key source of financing.

An official from the Maharashtra State Cooperative Sugar Factories Federation (MSCSFF) while talking to one of the leading websites said, "Sugar factories which are producing ethanol can sell it directly to customers if there is demand."

TVS Motor Company launched India’s first ethanol motorcycle, which will increase demand for Ethanol. In its first phase, it would be launched in leading sugarcane producing states in India such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The company may also tie up with the sugar mills to get assistance in ethanol motorcycle making.

The Central Government has the vision to achieve 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol by 2030.

During the Sugar Conference 20-20, Gadkari had said, "The ethanol market will grow to RS 50,000 crore in next two years and had potential to grow up to Rs 2 lakh crore. We want every sugar mill which produces ethanol to set up its own ethanol pump."

Earlier, ChiniMandi has reported that Maharashtra sugar commissioner, Mr. Shekhar Gaikwad has furnished a proposal to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis proposing assistance of promotion of ethanol production from sugarcane juice in the state and request of support from the Government.

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.

India’s first Ethanol motorcycle to come in Market

Mumbai: At a time, when the government is emphasising on the production of Ethanol to reduce the sugar glut, India’s first ethanol motorcycle is likely to come in the market.

According to the reports, TVS Motor Company is likely to launch India’s first ethanol motorcycle. It could be the ethanol version of the Apache 200. In its first phase, it would be launched in leading sugarcane producing states in India. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka are the major sugarcane producing states in India.

The company may also tie up with the sugar mills in order to get assistance in ethanol motorcycle making.

The Central Government has the vision to achieve 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol by 2030.

Recently, Maharashtra sugar commissioner, Mr. Shekhar Gaikwad has furnished a proposal to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis proposing assistance of promotion of ethanol production from sugarcane juice in the state and request of support from the Government.

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.

Andhra Pradesh: Sugarcane farmers awaiting for payment dues

Sugarcane growers in Andhra Pradesh are awaiting to get their cane dues cleared. According to the reports, sugar mills owe sugarcane farmers Rs 2,000 crore.

Bojja Dasarath Reddy, president of All-India Farmers’ Association, have been actively spearheading the cause of sugar cane farmers. He said the government had promised to make allocations for farmers in a separate Budget called Agriculture Budget.

Speaking on Chennur sugar factory, he said Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had assured cane growers in Kadapa that he would revive the mill, and we welcome the move, but he should first spell out his priorities in mitigating the hardships faced by the farmers

He said the govt had released Rs 30 crores to be paid on priority basis to the cane farmers, the same amount has been used to pay the salaries of the staffs.

CBI raids 14 places in sugar mill scam during Mayawati’s tenure

Lucknow: In a new development in alleged sugar mills disinvestment scam in UP, CBI on July 9 raided 14 places, including the residence of Netram, former principal secretary of ex-Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati.

On April 25 this year, CBI had registered a case to probe alleged irregularities. This case pertains to the sale of 11 sugar mills during the Mayawati regime.

Beside raid at Netram’s residence, searches were also carried out at the residence of retired IAS officer Vinay Priya Dubey in Lucknow’s Aliganj area. Dubey was then MD of UP State Sugar Corporation. Apart from these CBI officials also raided at the residence of many others having a connection with this case.

It is alleged that the scam worth is around Rs 1,179 crore.

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

This has been declared as best sugar mill in Haryana

For its achievements, Kaithal Cooperative Sugar Mill has been declared as the best sugar mill in Haryana in the 2018-19 crushing season.

Union Minister Narinder Singh Tomar and Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar during a state-level function in Yamunanagar honoured Mill chairperson Deputy Commissioner Dr Priyanka Soni and MD Jagdeep Singh.

With the recovery rate of 10.20 per cent, the sugar mill produced 4 lakh 11,394 lakh quintal sugar by crushing 40.43 lakh quintal sugarcane. Sugar mill achieved this target by functioning 166 days.

According to Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Soni, “For the first time, 10.2 per cent sugar recovery has been achieved after the commencement of the mill. The mill functioned at 98.38 per cent of installed capacity. Sugar mill managed to earn Rs 2 crore additional revenue by producing 11.73 lakh quintal “khoi” (cane residue) and saving power.”

According to the reports, Kaithal is the first sugar mill in Haryana to survey cane through the GPS system.

Uttar Pradesh: Steps taken to strengthen Cane Development Societies

Lucknow, 07 July 2019: As per the directions issued by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh to strengthen the democratic institutions, under the guidance of Hon’ble Cane Minister in this regard, Cane Development Department has taken effective steps to strengthen the Cane Development Societies of the State. In the Societies, the transparent budgetary system was implemented and its compliance was ensured. 33 illegally encroached properties, worth around Rs.16.00 Crore, of Societies has been freed from illegal possession. 1,266 special audit objections, pending from years for compliance has been complied with. All balance sheets of the Societies got updated. The amount of Rs.167.00 crores of cane development societies, deducted by Income Tax department as T.D.S. in previous years has been refunded to the Societies. To ensure proper utilization of assets and to increase the income of Cane Development Societies, a new rent fixation policy was issued and implemented. With the introduction of New Rental Policy, the rental income of cane development societies has increased by 2.64 times.

In crushing 2018-19, to strengthen the voice of village representative and democratic process, the right to pass the cane reservation proposal has been given to general body of society from management committee. Unpaid cane price of 104.97 crores of 92,059 cane farmers was pending with the Sugar Mills or Cane Development Societies since years. A special campaign was launched and out of above Rs.83.42 crores was paid to 63,162 farmers through their bank accounts.

Cooperative cane development societies have been financially strengthened with the above mention actions, which has resulted in an increase their liquidity. For making the transparent assessment of financial position of cane development societies the cumulative profit of year, the income from cane contribution and expenditure against the same, liability of other institutions, liability of retired employees, diversion of cane price in to their administrative expensive, recovery of old dues etc. were taken into consideration. So, after making financially viable adopting the complete transparency, the 5th pay scale has been sanctioned for 04 cane development societies lying in 4th pay scale since last 23 years. Likewise 07 cane development societies have been upgraded up to 6th pay scale from 5th pay scale for which they were waiting since last 13 years. In the same manner 43 cane development societies have been upgrated to 7th pay scale from 6th pay scale by Shree Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy, Registrar, Cane Development societies and Commissioner, Cane and Sugar, Uttar Pradesh.

Sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh to face strict action

Lucknow: Over pending cane arrears, Uttar Pradesh government seems to be stern. Warning of strong action against sugar mills, the government said, “It will file a police complaint against them and seize properties if they fail to pay farmers to cane dues.”

Earlier, Yogi had warned that the delay in clearing the arrears of sugarcane farmers would not be tolerated and directed the officials to ensure that sugar mill owners make the full payment of sugarcane farmers by August.

In the Lok Sabha polls, political parties in Uttar Pradesh contested with sugarcane arrears as their key issue. The opposition also did not leave any stone unturned to attack the government.

According to the reports, sugar mills in state owe cane growers at least Rs 9,000 crore.

The government had introduced various measures, including a soft loan scheme, hike in the minimum selling price of sugar and others to help sugar mills clear mounting cane arrears. But, millers failed to clear it, citing surplus sugar and depressed sugar prices.

“Sugar mills in Maharashtra shall have to prepare to compete” – Mr.Ravi Gupta – President, Renuka Sugars

Speaking at the Sugar Conference 2020, Mr.Ravi Gupta -President- Renuka Sugars expressed his views on the sugar industry in Maharashtra and the way forward. He shared that the competition is building up for Maharashtra sugar mills and therefore its now time for Maharashtra to prepare.

The advantage of lower sugarcane cost as compared to the sugar mills in the Northern states due to the difference in SAP and FRP no longer exists. The sugar recovery which used to be at 9.5% in North as compared to Maharashtra 11.5% has come to the same level. Therefore, in the previous years, lower sugar cost as compared sugar mills in the North has vanished. Mills shall have to be mindful in this fact and shall have to create efficiency.

He added, “There is a big issue of about capacity utilization in Maharashtra because of variation in sugarcane production. We shall have to think of ideas to diversify the industry in a way where we reduce fixed overheads. The Government ensures to give maximum support to the industry and biggest support has been the fuel ethanol program. The industry should make maximum advantage of this program and should begin to prepare itself for making ethanol from B-molasses , sugarcane juice and even from sugar. Here, the minimum ethanol prices should be fixed for the longer period in the lines of cogen power purchase program in Maharashtra to make the new distilleries project viable and bankable.’’

The bigger problem in Maharashtra is inventory, which is always higher than Indian average. Maharashtra should find ways to reduce inventory. The Govt. can help in bringing an export policy at the earliest as stocks are very high and effort should be made to encourage food processing industry in Maharashtra where milk is in surplus, sugar is in surplus and grains are available. On top of all this, Maharashtra has large food parks so a plan should be created how we encourage food processing industry for domestic consumption and for exports so that instead of exporting sugar we can sell value added processed foods and also reduce the glut the sugar “

“Sugar Conference 2020” commences in Pune to deliberate on sustainability of the sugar industry

Sugar Conference 2020 organised by Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank commences today at Westin Hotel Pune. The convention aims to encourage an open dialogue between policy makers and stakeholders from the Indian Sugar Industry for a better and sustainable tomorrow for the sector. The conference is a 3 day power packed event of sessions and panel discussions by stalwarts of the industry.

The inaugural ceremony has been graced by dignitaries like Shri.Vidyadhar Anaskar, Shri.Satish Soni, Shri.Shekhar Gaikwad, Shri.Sanjay Khatal, Shr.Sanjay Bhende, Shr.Ajit Deshmukh.

Several prominent companies like Spray Engineering Devices Ltd, Mega Engineering, S.S.Engineers, Manas & CIAN Agro Industries and Infrastructure, Excel Engineers and Consultants serving the sugar industry have marked their presence as exhibitors to this mega gathering.

Licenses of sugar mills selling below Minimum Selling Price will be cancelled

After several reports and complaints from some millers and industry bodies that few sugar mills are selling the sugar below MSP (Minimum Selling Price), the Centre has sought action against such sugar mills.

In a letter issued to them on 20 March 2019, the Food and Public Distribution Department (DFPD) has said, “Sugar mills of your state may be advised to strictly adhere to directives of government regarding MSP of white/refined sugar and action may be taken for violation of Sugar Price Control Order, 2018.”

Speaking at the Sugar Conference 2020 organized by the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank, Mr. Prakash Naiknavare – Managing Director of National Federation of Cooperative Factories Corporation shared his views on the issue of sugar mills selling sugar below the Minimum Selling Price. He said, the Food Ministry has asked cane commissioners of states to ensure that sugar mills do not sell sweetener below the MSP, which has been increased recently to Rs 31 a kilogram from Rs 29. The ministry has also directed the cane commissioners to delegate flying squads and the take strict actions against those sugar mills held selling below the Minimum Selling Price of sugar by blacklisting them and abstaining those sugar mills from the benefits provided by the Government. The Government has also taken into consideration to cancel licenses of these mills selling sugar below the Minimum Selling Price.”

Government effort on to revive closed sugar mill

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh government is taking an effort to start closed sugar mills in the state. UP Sugar Mill Federation managing director Vimal Kumar Dubey along with a team of technical experts inspected the plant machinery on Thursday as part of the state’s government effort to run the closed Majhola sugar mill.

According to the reports, after inspection, the experts will file a report on required finance to revive the plants. After which the govt will create the road map to allocate the factory to private players on a long-term lease of operation.

Because of the bad condition of its plant and machinery, the mill was closed down on December 22, 2009.

Earlier government had stated that it is committed to reviving the closed sugar mills in the state.

“Central Govt. should introduce dual MSP between Northern & Southern States” – Praful Vithalani

Speaking at Sugar Conference 2020, Chairman of All India Sugar Trade Association, Mr. Praful Vithalani shared his views that India’s estimated closing stock of sugar is expected to be 155 LMT this year which is a jump of over 100% from the average of a decade which stands at 76 LMT. The said 155LMT if calculated according to current MSP of Rs.31000 per MT sums to a whopping investment of around Rs.48000 crores.

While speaking about the scenario in Maharashtra where the estimated sugar production is 107 LMT, the sugar availability during the season stands at 148 LMT, the estimated domestic sale is 62 LMT, estimated exports 19 LMT leaving an estimated closing balance of 67 LMT on 30th September 2019. The said 67 LMT according to the current MSP of Rs.3100 per MT sums to an investment of Rs.20,800 crores by mills in the state.

Though the Government has announced various steps to bail out the ailing industry, however taking a worm’s eye view on Maharashtra state, since October 2018 to May 2019, the Central Government has allocated 60.50 LMT to sugar mills in Maharashtra and mills are able to sale only approximately 46 LMT failing to sell 14 LMT and hence falling short of cash liquidity worth Rs.4350 crores. There is excess transportation cost difference of Rs.1800 to Rs.2000 per MT which Maharashtra seeks help from the Government. And hence, the Central Government should introduce dual MSP where Central Northern states MSP to be higher than that of Central Southern states or Maharashtra State Government gives transport subsidy for the difference of transportation cost which can enable Maharashtra to sell the allotted quota allotted every month.

India’s first Ethanol motorcycle to come in Market

Mumbai: At a time, when the government is emphasising on the production of Ethanol to reduce the sugar glut, India’s first ethanol motorcycle is likely to come in the market.

According to the reports, TVS Motor Company is likely to launch India’s first ethanol motorcycle. It could be the ethanol version of the Apache 200. In its first phase, it would be launched in leading sugarcane producing states in India. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka are the major sugarcane producing states in India.

The company may also tie up with the sugar mills in order to get assistance in ethanol motorcycle making.

The Central Government has the vision to achieve 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol by 2030.

Recently, Maharashtra sugar commissioner, Mr. Shekhar Gaikwad has furnished a proposal to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis proposing assistance of promotion of ethanol production from sugarcane juice in the state and request of support from the Government.

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.

“Do not start a sugar mill, even by mistake”

As the sugar industry is sitting on surplus, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari believes ethanol production will strengthen the financial condition of sugar mills and will aid them to reduce sugar glut.

Speaking on the current situation of sugar industry, he said sugar factories are struggling to sustain as they are not in good position.

While emphasising on ethanol production, Mr. Gadkari on July 4 said in Lok Sabha, “Sugar mills should now focus on manufacturing ethanol instead of producing the sugar.”

The Central Government has the vision to achieve 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol by the next decade. According to the reports, the first milestone of 10 per cent of ethanol blending with petrol is on a verge to be achieved next year.

During the question Hour, Gadkari said, “Do not start a sugar mill, even by mistake. They are in bad shape.”

Recently, Maharashtra sugar commissioner, Mr. Shekhar Gaikwad, had furnished a proposal to CM Devendra Fadnavis proposing assistance of promotion of ethanol production from sugarcane juice in the state and request of support from the Government. He had also advocated for Rs 500 crore fund to assist sugar mills that want to either set up an ethanol production facility or expand the current one.

Sugar factories in the country have been facing issues with depressing sugar prices, surplus stocks, and piling cane arrears.

Sugar mills to now manufacture “anti ageing cream”

ChiniMandi Delhi: After crushing the sugarcane & extracting the juice, about 30-32% of the fibrous material is obtained from the sugar factories known as bagasse used mostly as a fuel for power generation. With the growing c availability of power through non-conventional energy resources and through other modes, the bagasse-based power generation has taken a back seat as many states of India are not very keen to sign power purchase agreements with sugar industry. This is because of the availability of power from non-conventional energy resources at cheaper rates (INR. 2.44 per unit) as compared to power tariffs desired by sugar factories (about INR. 4.50 per unit) for bagasse-based power generation and export to national grid.

Thus, the utilization of this bagasse to produce higher value products is a profound opportunity to improve the sustainability and economic profitability of processing operations. Its transformation into biodegradable next generation cosmetic ingredients is one possibility for its valorization. Keeping this in view & to provide an option for utilization of bagasse giving value addition, the institute worked & developed a technology for producing green cosmetic ingredients from bagasse.

Influenced by the health trend, a growing number of consumers demand healthier cosmetics that will be gentle on the skin and minimize the harm to the environment. Thus, the renewable cosmetic industry is rapidly evolving, with the growing consumer’s demand and quality requirements for end-user products. Organic beauty market is projected to reach $25.11 billion in terms of value, by 2025. Motivated by favorable demand, hundreds and thousands of companies and suppliers are now producing and selling cosmetic products which they claim are ‘green’ and better for the user and the environment.

The developed process basically involves selective glycosylation of pentosans fraction of bagasse with diketones followed by hydrogenation under mild conditions. The purification steps were cheap and efficient improving the prospects for producing the chemicals on a large scale. Elaborating details of the work done, Tushar Mishra, Research Fellow informed that the synthesized molecule is an active ingredient and is known to show skin antiaging properties by reducing wrinkle lines and improving skin hydration. Also, it is present in various Skin anti aging cosmetic products sold by various multinational companies across the globe.

After a year long experiment carried out in the Organic Chemistry division, results confirmed yield of such cosmetic ingredients to the extent of 5-6 % w/w of bagasse and thus for making such green cosmetic ingredient, the raw material cost shall be approx Rs.35-40/- per kg only. However, more experiments shall be carried out during crushing season 2019-20 to validate the results but for sure that production cost shall be very competitive and in-fact lower, asserted Dr. V.P. Srivastava, Asstt. Prof. Organic Chemistry.

In conversation with ChiniMandi.com, Prof. Narendra Mohan, Director, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur said, “The technology will prove to be milestone for the sugar industry worldwide paving way for using bagasse in an innovative manner earning value addition. Such value additions are required for sustainability of the sugar industry, particularly, keeping in view the up and down of the sugar prices.”

Sugar stocks jump amid reports of govt planning new sugar export policy

Amid reports that the government is planning over framing new sugar export policy to reduce surplus and address the concerns of the beleaguered sugar industry, the sugar stocks achieved strength on June 27.

With the over 20 per cent jump, Rajshree Sugars was the biggest gainer, followed by Uttam Sugar, Sakthi Sugars, Dhampur Sugar, Kothari Sugars, Dalmia Sugar, Dwarikesh Sugar, Ugar Sugar, which gained between 3 to 7 per cent.

Sugar mills have been facing issues with depressing sugar prices, surplus stocks and piling cane arrears. However, to make the sugar mills bailout and strengthen the financial conditions of the sugar mills, the government is emphasizing on various aspects including export.

According to the media reports, the new sugar policy will likely be rolled out from the next season, beginning October.

Experts believe, to strengthen the financial condition of sugar factories and reduce the surplus sugar, there is a need to divert sugarcane to produce Ethanol and also to boost sugar export.

Govt to release National Retail Policy in 10 days; suggestion from trade community invited

New Delhi, Jun 25 (UNI) The Commerce and Industry Ministry on Tuesday said a draft of the National Retail Policy would be released within next 10 days and suggestion would be invited from the trade community.

“A draft of National Retail Policy will be released in next ten days seeking comments from trading fraternity,” DPIIT Secretary Ramesh Abhishek said.

He said this while chairing a meeting convened by the Commerce Ministry to discuss the National Retail Policy with trade associations here.

Mr Abhishek said the government has tried its best at all levels to understand the ground realities of retail trade and accordingly the policy is being designed to relive traders from hardships and engage them in a better way to grow their respective business in a structured manner which may be to the advantage of Indian economy.

The National Retail Policy, he said, will streamline the retail trade in India and is poised to provide ease of doing business.

He said retail trade in India is about 650 billion dollar and life line of economy therefore a national retail policy is all the more necessary for smooth business activities in the country.

Participating in the deliberations, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said the policy should include upgradation & modernisation of existing format of retail trade.

He said the government has almost moved to e-system whereas till now only 35 per cent of traders out of 7 crore have been able to computerised their business.

“Serious steps are needed to link rest of 65 per cent traders with computer system and for this government should provide 50 per cent subsidy to traders,” he added.

Beside CAIT, Swadeshi Jagran Manch, Laghu Udyog Bharti, Retailers Associations of India, CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, PHD Chamber and others attended the meeting.

Gujarat to set up 300 new CNG stations in next two years

Gandhinagar, Jun 17 (UNI) Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Tuesday announced to start 300 new CNG filling stations in next two years in Gujarat.

The decision was taken in a high level meeting chaired by the CM to ensure ease in availability of CNG gas which would in turn ensure that people do not have to stand in long queues at the gas stations.

Mr Rupani also said that the new gas stations would be started under the CNG Sahayog Yojana, an initiative of Gujarat Gas Limited (GGL) and Sabarmati Gas Limited (SGL).

This decision would further strengthen the government’s resolve of creating a ‘Clean and Healthy Gujarat’.

Based on the co-operative model, the scheme is divided in two categories namely CNG Franchise and PSU-OMC dealer model. Online CNG stations (providing gas through pipeline) and Daughter Booster CNG stations fall under the latter. The gas stations would be set up near state highways and provide a substantial amount of revenue to the state government.

As many as 543 CNG stations have been set up in the state in the last 23 years, he stated.

The CM also announced to set up a PNG network for domestic users across the state.

At present, 13.50 lakh households avail the PNG, GGL and SGL aim to expand this to an additional 4.50 lakh households in the coming three years and plan to reach a target of extending their reach to 18 lakh households by 2022.

For availing the PNG connections, a deposit of Rs 1000 would be taken from families with an annual income up to Rs two lakh and Rs 5000 for families with annual income above Rs two lakh, he further stated.

The sale of gas in industrial sector has doubled this year, i.e from 40 lakh SCMD to 80 lakh SCMD.

Gujarat is the first state in India having approvals for the provision of City Gas distribution. As many as 1762 CNG stations have been set up in the India and Gujarat is at the top with 31 per cent ,i.e 542 CNG stations. Out of the 542 CNG stations, 62 per cent were operated by GGL and SGL and they reach to more than 3.50 lakh CNG operated vehicles with a daily average of 17.40 lakh kg of CNG gas.

The meeting was attended by Chief Principal Secretary to CM K Kailashnathan, Chief Secretary J N Singh, Principal Secretary M K Das, P.S of Energy Department Pankaj Joshi, M.D of GSPC Natrajan, CEO of GGL Nitin Patil and various other senior officers.

Demand to take action against sugar millers

Chennai: Sugarcane farmers in Cuddalore and Thanjavore districts of Tamil Nadu have now upped the ante against the sugar mills claiming that the factories cheated them. Cane growers laid siege to the Viruthachalam Taluk office on Friday, June 21, demanding action against the sugar mills owner who has taken loans in the name of farmers from nationalised banks.

The farmers alleged that owner of Shree Ambika Sugar Limited and Thiru Aarooran Sugar Limited in Thanjavore and Cuddalore districts have fraudulently availed loans up to Rs 300 crore in the name of more than 2,000 sugarcane farmers. The farmers realised that they were duped only when they received notices directing them to repay the loan taken in their names allegedly by the sugar mills owner.

The Tamil Nadu Sugarcane Farmers’ Association has demanded CBI action into this alleged scam, and also action against the bank officials who conspired with the sugar mills owner to get loans.

Uttar Pradesh takes effort to reduce cost of sugarcane cultivation

Lucknow: Inspired by the Honourable Chief Minister, Yogi Aditya Nath, on the instructions of Honourable Sugarcane Minister, Shri Suresh Rana, the sugarcane development department has taken a number of steps to fulfill Central and State government’s ambitious scheme “To double the income of farmers”. Efforts have been made to reduce the cost of sugarcane cultivation by promoting the use of modern agricultural machinery in sugarcane cultivation and usage of “Drip Irrigation” method for irrigation. The Commissioner, Cane and Sugar said, that to improve the groundwater level and to increase production and productivity of crops, the adoption of drip irrigation system is must. In this system with the help of pipes and different equipments, water is given directly in the root zone of plants as per their requirement. This system helps in quality crop production along with saving of water and energy. It was informed by Commissioner, Cane and Sugar, that adoption of drip irrigation method will save about 50 percent of the water consumption and the increase in 20 percent of the farmers’ income as well as the use of fertilizers and pesticides will decrease by 40 percent and there will be a proper usage of water, weeds will not be there and the possibility of misuse of the water used in the farm / over flooding would end. Farmers will get maximum benefit of fertilizers whereby the cost of farming will be reduced and increase in sugarcane yield will lead to the increase in farmer’s income. In the last two years 10,140 hectares of cane area has been covered with drip irrigation.

Yogi Adityanath claims after assuming office his government paid record sugarcane dues

Lucknow: Slamming previous SP and BSP governments, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed that after assuming office his government paid record sugarcane dues to sugarcane farmers.

CM said, “For the first time after the Independence, over Rs 70,000 crore outstanding payment was made to sugarcane farmers.”

Earlier, Yogi had warned that the delay in clearing the arrears of sugarcane farmers would not be tolerated and directed the officials to ensure that sugar mill owners make the full payment of sugarcane farmers by August.

The CM said Pipraich and Munderwa sugar mills had been started for cane growers of eastern UP. Pipraich mill will have a crushing capacity of 50,000 quintals per day.

The sugar mills in UP are yet to pay over Rs 10,000 crores to the cane growers during the 2018-19 crushing season.

Sugar mills in India owe Rs 18,958 crore to sugarcane farmers

New Delhi: Sugar mills in India, which has seen a glut in production, owe whopping Rs 18,958 crore as on June 18, according to the government data.

The maximum amount of cane arrears owed by sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh, which stands at Rs 11,082 crore, followed by Karnataka (Rs 1,704 crore) and Maharashtra (Rs 1,338 crore).

According to official data, sugar mills in Punjab are yet to pay Rs 989 crore to cane growers. Millers in Gujarat and Bihar owes Rs 965 crore and Rs 923 crore respectively to sugarcane farmers.

Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, “Payment of cane price to sugarcane growing farmers by the sugar mills is a continuous process. However, on account of surplus sugar production, during the previous sugar seasons, the sugar prices remained depressed which adversely affected the liquidity of the sugar mills resulting in accumulation of cane price arrears of the farmers.”

The government had introduced various measures, including a soft loan scheme, hike in the minimum selling price of sugar and others to help sugar mills clear mounting cane arrears. But, millers failed to clear it, citing surplus sugar and depressed sugar prices.

The industry body, ISMA, had estimated that the sugar production in India in the current year is anticipated to be around 33 MMT, about 5,00,000 tonnes more than last year.

Maharashtra government plans to invest in ethanol units

Mumbai: As sugar mills in Maharashtra have been facing issues with depressing sugar prices, surplus stocks and piling cane arrears, Government is emphasising on ethanol production to strengthen the financial condition of sugar factories and to help them to clear cane arrears.

According to the reports, the Maharashtra government is planning a proposal to invest in distilleries being set up by sugar mills in the state to convert sugarcane juice to ethanol.

Recently, Maharashtra sugar commissioner, Mr. Shekhar Gaikwad has furnished a proposal to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis proposing assistance of promotion of ethanol production from sugarcane juice in the state and request of support from the Government. In a furnished proposal, it has been recommended that state government will contribute 30 per cent of the fund through grants, sugar mills will give 10 per cent, and other 60 per cent will be raised from the financial institutions and banks.

Soon, the proposal will be presented to the state Cabinet for its approval.

The Central Government has the vision to achieve 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol by the next decade. The first milestone of 10 per cent of ethanol blending with petrol is on a verge to be achieved next year as already hit 5% has been accomplished this year where 150 crore litres is currently available.

Gaikwad has also advocated that the state government create a separate Rs 500 crore fund to assist sugar mills that want to either set up an ethanol production facility or expand the current one.

This is how UP government plans to help sugar industry

Lucknow: The sugar industry in India is struggling to revive as it is burdened with the surplus sugar stock and mounting cane arrears. To give respite up to some extent, Uttar Pradesh government plans to introduce a marginal cess on sugar to fund the beleaguered sector to handle distress. The proposal was advocated at the UP CM Yogi Aditynath’s review meeting of the sugarcane and excise departments.

The proposal aims to bring the sugar industry in the state out of the crisis, and also to give aid to sugarcane farmers who have been struggling to get cane arrears.

According to the reports, the fund will also be utilised for other purposes such as building toilets, restrooms, and drinking water for sugarcane farmers.

The proposal has got an in-principle approval in the meeting yesterday and will be further sent for legal vetting before the modalities are finalised, said Cane commissioner Sanjay Bhoosreddy said while talking to one of the leading news websites.

CM Yogi said that Rs 68,828 crore has been paid to cane farmers in the last two years. He said that the closed sugar mills of Majhola and Rasda Sahakari mill should be restarted soon. The tender process to restart these two mills has already begun. He also issued orders to speed up the work of Dhuripar sugar mill.

The sugar mills in UP are yet to pay o

Yogi Adityanath gives deadline to sugar mills

Lucknow, Jun 19 (UNI)Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the delay in clearing the arrears of sugarcane farmers will not be tolerated and directed the officials to ensure that sugar mill owners make the full payment of sugarcane farmers by August.

In order to provide financial support to farmers, CM said that a separate fund could be created, which will be used for the welfare and other facilities of sugarcane farmers. With this fund, facilities such as toilets, restrooms and drinking water could be provided to the farmers, he said.

CM Yogi said that Rs 68,828 crore has been paid to cane farmers in the last two years.

The directives were given by Chief Minister during reviewing the work of Sugar Industry and Cane Development department here on Wednesday.

Keeping in view the delay in the payment process, the Chief Minister strictly instructed the officials that all the dues of sugarcane farmers should be paid in various installments by August.

The sugar mills in UP are yet to pay over Rs 10,000 crores to the cane farmers during the 2018-19 crushing season.

The CM said that the local youth could be involved in the sugarcane juice business. Through PM Mudra Yojna, they could be provided loan, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the closed sugar mills of Majhola and Rasda Sahakari mill should be restarted soon. The tender process to restart these two mills has already begun. He also issued orders to speed up the work of Dhuripar sugar mill.

The CM said that farmers should get their slips on time and they do not face any problem this year. He also said that the sugarcane surveys should be done in a better way so that we can provide timely slips to sugarcane farmers.

CM instructed the officials to ensure that the capacity of sugar mills should be increased to 5000 TDC from the present capacity of 700 and 1200 TDC.

Negative marketing of sugar is happening in the name of sugar-free: Shekhar Gaikwad

India is one of the largest consumers of sugar in the world, and the industry is burdened with the surplus sugar stock. The sugar sector may face a big challenge ahead as many companies are pitching for sugar-free products, which will ultimately low down sugar consumption in India.

Experts believe under the pretext of sugar-free products; many are doing negative marketing, which would hamper the sugar industry. Maharashtra Sugar Commissioner, Mr. Shekhar Gaikwad while speaking at an event organised by West Indian Sugar Mills Association in association with Deccan Sugar Technologist Association (DSTA), in Pune on June 17 highlighted the rise of negative marketing, which is going against the sugar industry. “Some people are doing negative marketing of sugar in the name of sugar-free. In future, tagline with ‘Sugar is dangerous for health’, such a situation should not arise.”

Also, nowadays people are becoming more health conscious, eyeing which companies are discovering more options and looking forward to introducing products for such consumers. Eventually, it will low down sugar consumption.

“Looking at the current scenario, upcoming two to three years are very important for the sugar industry”, Mr. Gaikwad further added.

The industry body, ISMA, had estimated that the sugar production in India in current year is anticipated to be around 33 MMT, about 5,00,000 tonnes more than last year.

Considering the current scenario, the sugar stocks at the end of the 2018-19 marketing year would be at a higher level at around 14.7 MMT taking into account the opening balance of 10.7 MMT as on October 1, 2018, and estimated record output of 33 MMT and domestic demand of 26 MMT as well as the export of 3 MMT.

The Government is emphasising on ethanol production to strengthen the financial condition of sugar mills and reduce the sugar glut in India.

Maharashtra government to set up new project to eradicate drought

Beed, Jun 26 (UNI) Minister for Employment Guarantee Scheme and Horticulture Jayadatta Kshirsagar on Sunday asserted that the Central Government and the State Government have taken the priority to set up a permanent solution to eradicate the drought of Marathwada by diverting wastage water into the basin of Godavari and Sindafana rivers.

After taking oath, the newly inducted minister hailing from Beed district today visited the fodder camp at eight villages here.

He was interacted with the present farmers and villagers on his visit.

ZP member Ganpat Doifode, former MLA Badamrao Pandit, Jagdish Kale, Dilip Gore, Vilas Badge, Arun Dake, Kundalik Khandey, Bappa Saheb Ghuge, Nitin Dhande among others were present.

Mr Kshirsagar said that the state government has taken the drought issue in a top priority basis and assured all the help from his side.

Apart from drought, he said, the farmers are facing many problems and the government is also trying to solve out those by implementing the schemes like Horticulture, Silk Plantation and Horticulture schemes through Employment Guarantee Scheme and Horticulture Department.

Notably, Mr Kshirsagar, the heavyweight politician and former minister in NCP-Congress led past state government from Beed district recently deserted from NCP and joined Shiv Sena.

Demand to take action against sugar millers

Chennai: Sugarcane farmers in Cuddalore and Thanjavore districts of Tamil Nadu have now upped the ante against the sugar mills claiming that the factories cheated them. Cane growers laid siege to the Viruthachalam Taluk office on Friday, June 21, demanding action against the sugar mills owner who has taken loans in the name of farmers from nationalised banks.

The farmers alleged that owner of Shree Ambika Sugar Limited and Thiru Aarooran Sugar Limited in Thanjavore and Cuddalore districts have fraudulently availed loans up to Rs 300 crore in the name of more than 2,000 sugarcane farmers. The farmers realised that they were duped only when they received notices directing them to repay the loan taken in their names allegedly by the sugar mills owner.

The Tamil Nadu Sugarcane Farmers’ Association has demanded CBI action into this alleged scam, and also action against the bank officials who conspired with the sugar mills owner to get loans.