By India News Newsdesk
New Delhi, July 3 (IANS) Union Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said that India鈥檚 sugar sector has, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, grown into a Rs 1.3 lakh crore industry, driving rural prosperity, energy security and green power through reforms like record ethanol blending and Atmanirbharta in fuels.
Addressing the 鈥楥ooperative Sugar Industry Conclave 2025鈥 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre here, the minister said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 inspiring to see how the sector鈥檚 evolution is shaping a sustainable and self-reliant future for India.鈥
The collective strength of the nation, innovation and efficiency have transformed this sector, he added.
In an X post, Joshi said: 鈥淎ddressed the 鈥楥ooperative Sugar Industry Conclave 2025鈥 & 鈥楴ational Efficiency Award Ceremony鈥 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, where we celebrated the remarkable progress of India鈥檚 sugar cooperative sector鈥.
The minister had earlier highlighted that nearly 5 crore farmers (including family members) are engaged in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, and the industry is providing ample employment opportunities both directly and indirectly.
He emphasised that the Centre, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, accords top priority to the welfare of farmers and safeguarding the interests of consumers as well as the industry, thereby ensuring collaborative efforts to improve agricultural practices.
Joshi also highlighted India鈥檚 commitment to advancing technology and skills in the sugar and biofuel sectors. Emphasising India鈥檚 cultural and economic reliance on sugar, he noted India鈥檚 status as the world鈥檚 largest sugar consumer and a significant biofuel producer, achieving over 12 per cent ethanol blending with petrol and aiming for 20 per cent soon.
The Minister underscored the role of biofuels in combating climate change and detailed the positive impacts of India鈥檚 Ethanol Blended with Petrol (EBP) Programme on the sugar industry and farmers.
Meanwhile, India鈥檚 sugar production is projected to rise by 15 per cent in the 2025鈥26 season (October鈥揝eptember) to around 35 million tonnes, driven by expectations of an 鈥榓bove-average鈥 monsoon, which is likely to boost cane acreage and yields in key producing states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka, according to Crisil Ratings.
The anticipated growth in output is expected to ease tightness in domestic supply and may also support higher ethanol diversion and a potential revival in sugar exports, the report said.