NEW DELHI: India has lifted the curbs on sugar exports, allowing millers to ship one million tonnes of sugar until September this year. This move comes as forecasts predict strong sugarcane harvests, with an expected increase in output, which will enable mills to export surplus stocks while supporting local prices.
Food Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasized the positive impact of this decision, stating, “This ensures price stability, supports 5 crore farmer families, 5 lakh workers, and strengthens the sugar sector.” The government had previously restricted sugar exports during the 2023-24 season due to concerns over lower output and local supply.
India, the world’s second-largest sugar producer after Brazil, consumes most of its sugar domestically, with 90% of the produce going into food products like biscuits and beverages. The lifting of export restrictions aligns with projections of higher sugarcane output, with the country set to harvest over 470 million tonnes of cane, providing more raw material for both sugar and ethanol production.
The Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) welcomed the decision, noting that it would help improve local prices and reduce industry losses. ISMA’s Director-General, Deepak Ballani, highlighted that the move would also ensure timely payments to farmers for their cane deliveries.
India’s ethanol blending program, which aims to blend 20% ethanol with petrol by 2026, is progressing ahead of schedule, and the country is expected to divert about 4.5 million tonnes of sugar for ethanol production to meet this target.
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