India becomes the largest producer and consumer of sugar globally
As per reports, India has now become the largest producer and consumer of sugar and its second-largest exporter, globally.
Information:
During the 2021-22 sugar season (October-September), India has created a record by producing over 5,000 lakh metric tons (LMT) of sugarcane, among which approximately 3,574 LMT was crushed by sugar mills to produce about 394 LMT of sugar (sucrose). Among these, 35 LMT sugar was diverted to ethanol production, and 359 LMT sugar was produced by sugar mills.
Statement:
Words from the government officials:
The government Officials said: “during SS 2021-22, sugar mills procured sugarcane worth more than Rs 1.18 lakh crore and released payment of more than Rs 1.12 lakh crore with no financial assistance (subsidy) from the Centre. Thus, cane dues at the end of sugar season are less than Rs 6,000 crore indicating that 95 percent of cane dues have already been cleared. It is also noteworthy that for SS 2020-21, more than 99.9 per cent cane dues are cleared.”
Words from Ministry of Consumer Affairs:
Officials from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs said: “the season has proven to be a watershed for the Indian sugar sector. All records of sugarcane production, sugar production, sugar exports, cane procured, cane dues paid, and ethanol production was made during the season.”
Information:
Regarding sugar exports:
Another highlight of this season is the highest amount of exports, around 109.8 LMT that too without financial assistance which was being extended up-to 2020-21. Supportive global prices and the Indian government policy helped to achieve this feat in the Indian sugar industry. These exports fetched foreign currency of approximately Rs 40,000 crore for the nation.
Regarding the success story of the Indian sugar industry:
An overall supportive ecosystem provided by the Central and state governments along with the collaborative work of farmers, sugar mills, and ethanol distilleries helps the booming sugar industry in India. This is simply the outcome of synchronous and collaborative efforts across the nation. Timely interventions by both governments over the last 5 years have been important in building the sugar industry step by step from taking them out of financial distress in 2018-19 to the stage of self-sufficiency during the 2021-22 economic year.
