Fiji records low sugar production - 18.11.2020

Sugar mills in Fiji have crushed over 1.6 million tonnes of sugarcane and produced 145,875 tonnes of sugar. The sugar produced is less as compared with the same period during last year which stands at 149,571 tonnes.

According to the Fiji Sugar Corporation, low cane purity has affected the sugar output. The crushing was low during the past few days owing to the Diwali festival.

Mahendra Chaudhary, Fiji Labour Party leader has raised questions over lower sugar output. According to the media report, he said that the total cane crushed has reduced from 3.23 million tonnes in 2006 to 1.7 million tonnes in 2019 and has also questioned what has been done to achieve the target set in 2012 to produce 4 million tonnes of cane by 2020.

Sugarcane farmers block road after sugar mill stops operating due to technical snag - 18.11.2020

Jind, Haryana: Angry sugarcane farmers from Jind blocked the Jind-Patiala national highway for more than four hours as the sugar mill stopped operating due to technical snag. Commuters faced hardship due to roadblock. Farmers
lifted the blockade after the DC Aditya Dahiya and government officials rushed to the spot and pacified farmers.

Farmers claim that the mill had started operations on November 10 after Haryana cooperation minister Banwari Lal inaugurated it. However, the mill is facing technical snag since it began operations.

According to the news report published in The Times of India, farmers said they informed the deputy commissioner and when authorities failed to meet their demands, they blocked the national highway.

Sugarcane has been sent to Kaithal’s mill till the technical issue is sorted out.

Crushing season 2020-21: More sugar mills in operation as compare to previous season - 18.11.2020

New Delhi: With the timely commencement of sugarcane crushing season, more sugar mills are in operation in the current season as compared to the previous season.

According to the Indian Sugar Mills Association, as compared to 127 sugar factories which were crushing sugarcane last year on 15th November, 2019, 274 sugar mills are crushing sugarcane on 15th November, 2020 this year. Due to which sugar production also increased.

Sugar production till 15th November, 2020 in the current season 2020-21 is 14.10 lakh tonnes, which was 4.84 lakh tonnes last year on 15th November 2019.

Unlike last year, owing to very good rainfall and sufficient water availability in reservoirs in Maharashtra and Karnataka, as also better cane availability due to higher cane acreage and improved yield per hectare, crushing season commenced well in time during the last week of October’ 2020.

Indonesia seeks support of National Sugar Institute, Kanpur in modernization of Indonesian Sugar Industry - 18.11.2020

Indonesia has sought support of National Sugar Institute, Kanpur for taking its sugar industry forward. The matter was discussed through video-conferencing between Prof. Narendra Mohan, Director, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur and Mr. Muhamad Mustangin, Director, Indonesian Sugar Research Institute today.

The Indonesian delegation desired to know the role of National Sugar Institute, Kanpur in growth and development of the Indian Sugar Industry. Our sugarcane and sugar productivities are much lower and to cope up our sugar requirements, we are importing sugar from Thailand and India, said Mr. Muhamad Mustangin, Director, Indonesian Sugar Research Institute. Since, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur has played a pivotal role for the development of Indian Sugar Industry, we would like to develop our institute on the similar model. We also look forward towards seeking support of National Sugar Institute, Kanpur in identifying the grey areas and modernization of Indonesian Sugar Industry so as to be self-sustainable. We also desire that National Sugar Institute, Kanpur may help us in conducting skill development programmes.

Assuring for co-operation Prof. Narendra Mohan, Director, National Sugar Institute highlighted various activities of the institute and broad areas to work upon. Indonesia shall have to work on all fronts, farm and factory productivity, utilization of by-products, energy and water conservation. The sugarcane yield and sugar recovery in Indonesia is about 50-55 tonnes/hectare and about 8.5-9.0% respectively, which is about 30% lower in comparison to India. Indonesia is producing only about 2.5 million tonnes of sugar as against its domestic consumption of about 7.0 million tonnes. Thus, there is tremendous scope for improving the Indonesian Sugar Industry, said Prof. Mohan. There is acute shortage of specifically trained manpower in Indonesian Sugar Industry and thus National Sugar Institute, Kanpur can address the issue by conducting customized training programmes for in-service personnel, added Director, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur.
The two institutes agreed in principle for further co-operation and collaboration and for which a MoU shall be signed after seeking approval of the respective ministries.

Kumbhi sugar mill begins cane crushing season - 17.11.2020

Amirnagar, Uttar Pradesh: Kumbhi sugar mill, belongs to Balrampur group, commenced the sugarcane crushing season on Monday after performing puja.

The crushing began after weighing the sugarcane brought by a farmer from Gangapur by his bullock cart and putting it in the crushing chain. Another farmer who brought cane in his tractor-trolley was also put for crushing after weighing it. Both farmers were felicitated on the occasion. Several sugarcane farmers and the mill officials were present during the inauguration.

Mill administration urged cane growers to cooperate with them in order to make this season sucessful.

ISMA’s initiative meetha.org only a consumer centric knowledge portal, no plans to boost sugar consumption - 17.11.2020

While sugar consumed in moderation is part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle, there is a lot of misinformation floating all around. Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) as a responsible association felt a dire need to disseminate correct information about a food item, which is not properly understood or appreciated at least for some of its positive properties.

In talks with ChiniMandi News, a spokesperson of ISMA shared their views on bringing this development. “ISMA felt a need to develop a knowledge center around sugar. Accordingly, we decided to launch meetha.org to help in sorting out the facts from the fiction and all the grey areas in between. We are confident that via this knowledge portal, the consumers at large will get to know about sugar a lot better and empower themselves to make sweet, yet purposeful choices, so that one can understand the role of sugar in our diet and happily enjoy nature’s oldest sweetener.”

“www.meetha.org is a portal of ISMA for spreading awareness about sugar in India. We at Indian Sugar Mills Associations aim at creating a consumer centric portal for sharing knowledge about sugar based on evidence and science, and thereby increase consumer understanding of the importance of a nutritious, balanced and enjoyable diet, and the role of sugar therein. Through this portal, the consumer can learn and discover facts about sugar, including about the history and types of sugar, as also the difference between natural sugar and artificial sweeteners. So, whether it is research report about artificial sweeteners or more information regarding natural sugar, at www.meetha.org, the audience can discover facts from reliable sources to keep themselves and their families healthy In our words, the basic aim of the Portal is to provide all possible information about sugar, and help the consumers in taking an informed decision regarding consuming sugar and sugar sweetened products.” She further explained.

There are talks about Meetha.org being launched to boost consumption of sugar in the country. Commenting on the same she said, “ISMA has launched a social media campaign to educate and spread awareness with the right information amongst the consumers on healthy eating and healthy lifestyle, as also debunk the myths surrounding sugar. As a part of this campaign, ISMA will be holding workshops & webinars making www.meetha.org as our primary platform, where experts like nutritionists, dieticians, endocrinologists, public health specialists, medical practitioners, sugar producers and consumers etc., will share their expertise, ideas and knowledge on the subject. The purpose of running such a campaign is to give the right information to the consumers in a single platform, in a world where there is a lot of confusion, with many ill-informed opinions and views of self-appointed experts. www.meetha.org, aims to be India’s foremost and leading website, providing a plethora of educational information about the consumption, utilization and most importantly the value of natural sugar.

We see this portal as a proactive stance from the Industry to narrate the sugar’s story, particularly where it comes from and how it plays a vital role in so many foods and beverages that are part of nutritious, balanced and (not to be forgotten) enjoyable diets, since times immemorial. Our efforts are aligned with the national goal of remaining healthy in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a Fit India Movement. Meetha.org has not been launched to boost consumption of sugar. Its purpose is very different, as explained.”

‘meetha.org’ is a website designed keeping the “aam aadmi” or the common man in mind. The information is well laid out and easy to navigate through information placards. We intend to keep readers updated with periodic information that is good for health and wellbeing. Apart from playing a pivotal role in nation building, sugar is the gold standard for sweetness, and people all over the globe have been consuming it for thousands of years. The sugar industry is a vital cog in India’s rural development as the country’s second largest agro-based industry. Today, the sugar industry’s contribution to the rural economy has a significant social and economic impact for the nation as well. The sugar industry is a green industry and is largely self- sufficient in energy needs through utilisation of bagasse for generating electricity and steam. It is a unique industry of the country which utilizes all its by-products commercially by value addition thereby contributing towards the renewable power generation and green bio-fuel. Our motto is “Eat Healthy Be Healthy”, with a bottom line that no single food item is good or bad, but it is the balanced diet with a balanced nutrition and balanced flavor which is essential.

Farmers launch dharna for pending cane arrears outside sugar mill - 17.11.2020

Phagwara, Punjab: The sugarcane farmers under the banner of the Bhartiya Kisan Union Doaba have begun indefinite dharna outside the Sugar Mill Phagwara on Sunday demanding the pending cane arrears of around Rs 73 crore.

Addressing the agitators, farmers leaders said that the sugar mill has not cleared their dues for the last crushing season.

They said that the farmers are facing economic hardship due non-payment of their cane dues and have warned to continue their agitation till they get their dues. They also threatened that they would not allow the sugar mill to run if their dues are not cleared.

The administration assured them that they will look into the matter and ensure cane payment.

Mills produce 14.10 lakh tonnes sugar so far: ISMA - 17.11.2020

According to the Indian Sugar Mills Association, sugar production till 15th November, 2020 in the current season 2020-21 is 14.10 lakh tonnes, which was 4.84 lakh tonnes last year on 15th November 2019. As compared to 127 sugar factories which were crushing sugarcane last year on 15th November, 2019, 274 sugar mills are crushing sugarcane on 15th November, 2020 this year.

In Uttar Pradesh, 76 sugar mills have started their crushing operations for this season and they have produced 3.85 lakh tonnes of sugar by 15th November 2020. Last year in the same period, 78 mills were in operation and they had produced 2.93 lakh tonnes till 15th November 2019.

Unlike last year, owing to very good rainfall and sufficient water availability in reservoirs in Maharashtra and Karnataka, as also better cane availability due to higher cane acreage and improved yield per hectare, crushing season commenced well in time during the last week of October’ 2020.

In Maharashtra, 117 sugar mills have started crushing operations as on 15th November 2020, while last year season commenced very late in 4th week of November 2019 due to drought and lesser cultivable area by almost 48% as compared to current year. Till 15th Nov. 2020, sugar production in the State was 5.65 Lakh tonnes.

Similarly in Karnataka, 49 sugar mills were in operation as on 15th November 2020 and have produced 3.40 lakh tonnes, as compared to 34 mills which were operating and had produced 1.43 lakh tonnes last year upto the corresponding date.

In Gujarat 14 sugar mills were crushing on 15th November, 2020 and they have produced 80,000 tonnes of sugar. Last year on 15th November, 2019, 4 mills were in operation and they had produced 2000 tonnes of sugar.

Among the remaining States like Uttarakhand, Bihar, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, about 18 factories have commenced their crushing operations and they have together produced 40,000 tonnes of sugar till 15th November, 2020.

With an OB of sugar for 2020-21 of 106.4 lakh tonnes as on 1st October,2020 and an estimated sugar production of 310 lakh tonnes, India will have another surplus year and need to continue to export about 60-70 lakh tonnes of the surplus sugar out of the country during 2020-21 SS.

Policy decisions regarding Export policy along with export subsidy for the sugar year 2020-21 and creation of buffer stock along with buffer subsidy are still awaited from the Government. During the last season 2019-20, about 2 Lakh tonnes of sugar had already been shipped out for exports on the corresponding date.

During the current season 2019-20 (Dec – Nov), the Ethanol supplied as on 9th November’ 2020 is reported to be at 160.23 Cr. ltr, which is equivalent to a blend of 5%.

For the year 2020 – 21, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have allocated about 262.27 Cr ltrs against offers received for about 322.57 Crore L of ethanol from sugar mills. However, total requirement as per tender floated by OMC’s is about 457.64 Cr ltrs. This could mean a blend of about 7-8%, depending on the total fuel demand.

Allocated quantity of Ethanol indicates about 20 Lakh tonnes diversion of sugar by means by of Ethanol produced from B heavy molasses and sugarcane juice as also estimated by ISMA in its 1st advance estimates of sugar production released in October’ 2020.

Puranpur sugar mill commences cane crushing season - 17.11.2020

Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh: Puranpur cooperative sugar mill started sugarcane crushing season by conducting puja in its premises. The puja was performed under the presence of sugarcane farmers, mill workers and other respected Dignitaries.

Sugar mill has already set up the sugarcane collection centres fo farmers. Mill administration appealed to farmers to cooperate with them to complete cane crushing smoothly.

Pending cane arrears: BKU threatens to launch an agitation - 13.11.2020

Shamli, Uttar Pradesh: Bhartiya Kisan Union submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister of the state to the Additional District Magistrate Arvind Kumar demanding payment of cane dues to the farmers. Cane growers warned of an agitation if mills fail to clear the cane dues.

The farmers under the leadership of national spokesperson of BKU Vikrant Chaudhary met ADM. They said until the entire payment is made to the farmers, the electricity connection of the farmers should not be cut.

Punjab: Demand to raise sugarcane price - 13.11.2020

Chandigarh, Punjab: 30 farmers unions will meet Centre today to discuss issues related to Farm Laws. They will be holding talks with union agriculture minister Narendra Tomar and railway minister Piyush Goyal.

Farmers unions leaders met yesterday to discuss the joint strategy for Friday’s meeting. They also demanded that the pending dues of cane growers from the previous years should be released immediately.

According to the media report, Harmeet Singh Qadian, president, BKU Qadian said, ” The sugarcane rates in the state is low. The state advised price (SAP) of cane has increased by Rs 350 per quintal in Haryana while in Punjab the cane prices have remained stable from last three years. We demand that we should be given a similar raise in SAP.”

Bihar: Narkatiaganj sugar mill to start cane crushing from November 21 - 13.11.2020

Narkatiaganj, Bihar: Narkatiyangaj sugar mill will start the sugarcane crushing season from November 21. Chandramohan, executive president of the mill, said, “We are in the final phase of the preparations to commence the mill from November 21.”

Management asked cane growers to cooperate with the mill and supply cane to ensure a successful season.

Mysuru: DC holds meeting with sugarcane farmers - 13.11.2020

Mysore, Karnataka: Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri has assured the sugarcane farmers that she will send a report to the government regarding revision of the cane price. She held a meeting with sugarcane farmers to discuss their issues at her office here on Tuesday.

According to the news report published in starofmysore.com, DC asked officials to stop cane arrival from neighbouring districts and urge mills to crush the cane that is more than 14 months old. She asked the officials to ensure that the millers follow the orders.

State Sugarcane Growers Association President Kurubur Shantakumar said, “We told the DC that the sugar millers are not coming forward for cutting cane that is 15-16 months old. It is ideal to cut the cane after 12 months. Factories are paying less than the price fixed by the government.”

The DC assured farmers that all the issues will be resolved.

Malakpur sugar mill begins cane crushing season - 13.11.2020

Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh: Malakpur sugar mill began cane crushing season by performing puja and rituals on Thursday. The inauguration of the crushing season was done in the presence of the unit head and mill employees along with the sugarcane farmers. The mill has set a target of crushing 152 lakh quintal sugarcane this season. The mill had set the same target during last year.

According to the media report, sugarcane dues is still pending with sugar mill and its unit head Bipin Chaudhari said that the administration will clear the cane arrears soon.

Shamli: Sugar mills clear cane dues of around Rs 97.44 crore before Diwali - 12.11.2020

Shamli, Uttar Pradesh: Sugar mills from the district have cleared the cane arrears of around Rs 97.44 crore ahead of the Diwali festival. The mills have cleared the pending dues of previous season from November 3 to November 10. The authorities have stated that they will clear all the pending arrears to the farmers by Thursday. The pending dues now amount to Rs 374.29 crore.

Since completion of the cane crushing, farmers are demanding their dues. They had launched agitations under the banner of the Bharatiya Kissan Union (BKU) for the pending arrears. Following the agitations, the millers assured the farmers to clear the pending dues before Diwali.

Karnataka: Demand to raise sugarcane FRP - 12.11.2020

Hubbali, Karnataka: Like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and other states, cane dues are also pending in Karnataka. Farmers claim that many sugar mills have not paid the cane arrears. Karnataka Rajya Raita Sangha and Hasiru Sene urged the government to immediately take steps to get pending bills paid to farmers.

Farmers are also demanding to raise the sugarcane purchase price. Addressing presspersons here on Tuesday, State president of KRRS and Hasiru Sene Badagalapur Nagendra requested the government to fix FRP of Rs 3,500 per tonne of sugarcane immediately.

He also opposed the ordinance issued by the State government for giving effect to the new amendments to the Land Reforms Act

Uttar Pradesh: Awareness campaign for sugarcane farmers - 12.11.2020

Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh: UP police is working on an awareness campaign for sugarcane farmers to avoid stubble burning to keep a check on the air pollution. The police are using loudspeakers in the western UP districts including Bijnor to spread awareness among farmers and appeal them to not to burn the leaves after harvesting.

Sugar mills in the state started cane harvesting and farmers are clearing the fields for the next crop. Most farmers in Western UP take up wheat cultivation after cane harvesting.

According to the news report published in The Times of India, on Wednesday, SP Dharamveer Singh visited Najibabad with a contingent of cops and addressed peasants in their sugarcane fields on loudspeakers, urging them not to burn residue, with a warning that they will be fined otherwise.

Sugar mills clear cane dues of Rs 82 crore - 11.11.2020

Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh: Sugar mills in the district have cleared the cane arrears of around Rs 82.21 crore to the cane farmers. Sugarcane Minister Suresh Rana on Tuesday held an online board review meeting on cane payment. He directed the sugar mills to clear the pending cane arrears immediately.

In a meeting convened at Saharanpur, three district cane officers and other government officials were present. District cane officer Dr. R D Dwivedi said that the sugar mills from the district have cleared the cane arrears of around Rs 82.21 crore.

Haryana: Shahabad cooperative sugar mill starts cane crushing season - 11.11.2020

Kurukshetra, Haryana: 37th Sugarcane crushing season of Shahabad cooperative sugar mill began on Tuesday. The inauguration of the season was done by Shahabad MLA and Haryana Sugarfed chairman Ram Karan Kala. According to the news report published in The Times of India, he said, “Farmers will not face any issue in sugarcane supply to the sugar mill and also get the timely payment of the bill.”

Virender Chaudhary, Managing Director, Shahabad sugar mill said, “The mill has set a target of crushing 80 lakh quintals of sugarcane for this season with the recovery of 11 per cent and producing 8.80 lakh quintals of sugar.”

Deadline for the completion of Karnal co-operative sugar mill project extended - 11.11.2020

Karnal: The construction of the new Karnal co-operative sugar mill that was scheduled to be completed by October 2020 has been extended to March 2021 due to delay in the construction work.

According to the media reports, due to the ‘slow pace of work’ and later the Covid-induced lockdown, the company has been able to complete only 40 per cent work so far.

As per TribuneIndia.com, Nishant Kumar Yadav, the deputy commissioner said, “The work of the mill has been halted due to the lack of availability of labour force owing to Covid-19. The company has sought an extension of six months, but we have fixed end of March 2021 as the deadline to complete the project,” said Nishant Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner (DC).”

Over date parchi: Sugarcane department gives relief to cane growers - 11.11.2020

Lucknow: In compliance of the orders given by Hon’ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to provide all possible facilities to sugarcane farmers in supply of their sugarcane and instruction issued by Hon’ble Minister Sugar Industry and Cane Development, Shri Suresh Rana in this regard, commissioner Cane and Sugar Shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy said, that the farmers would not have to visit the Cane Development if a farmer could not supply his cane on his issued parchi within the stipulated period, due to marriage function, waterlogging in the field or for any other reason, then arrangements have been made that parchi of farmers will be automatically re-validated in the indent of upcoming dates and will reach farmers as S.M.S. parchi again.

Giving detailed information in this regard he said, that in the past, farmers have to visit Cane Development Societies to submit their over date parchi and after submitting it, the farmers could have re-validated (re-dated) it only once. But in order to facilitate the farmers, this year it has been decided that two chances will be given to the farmers for revalidation of over date parchi. If the parchi get over dated and remain un-weighed due to any reason then through E.R.P., that parchi will be re-issued automatically in indent of upcoming dates. If the farmer is still not able to get it weighed then this parchi will again be re-issued in indent of upcoming dates to give farmer a second chance to supply cane on his parchi. The parchi number of the re-issued parchies will be the same as the number on which parchi was released for the first time, so that the parchi cannot be weighed twice in any case. On re-issued S.M.S. parchi, the last letter will be ‘H’ so that farmer may know that their over date parchi has been issued again.

Shri Bhoosreddy also informed that this will save farmers from an unnecessary visit of Cane Development Societies and offices during this Corona period. The opportunity of re-issuance after re-validation of over weighed parchi will be given twice so that farmers can supply his sugarcane as per their convenience and the parchi will not go waste. Now the farmers sitting at home will get re-issued S.M.S. parchi in place of over-date parchi. This will also help in preventing the spread of Covid-19 epidemic and will also save the time and money of the farmers, which they will have to incur in running between offices.

Thanjavur: Due to non-payment of dues, sugarcane farmers shifting to other crops - 11.11.2020

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu: Sugarcane farmers from the district are still awaiting the cane dues of around Rs 27 crore from the sugar mill that is pending since 2016. They have appealed to the sugar mill to clear their dues immediately and decided to stage agitation in front of the district collectorate if demands are not met.

The farmers from Kurunkulam, Orathanadu, Vallam, Tirukkattuppalli regions had grown sugarcane over 14,000 acres of land. All of them are members of the Arignar Anna Sugar Mills in Kurunkulam in Thanjavur.

According to the news report published in The Times of India, farmers in Thanjavur district usually take up sugarcane cultivation on thousands of acres. However, due to non-payment of arrears by the mills, members of the mill have gradually migrated to paddy from sugarcane crop.

EID Parry reports rise in its standalone net profit - 11.11.2020

EID Parry (India) Ltd, one of the major sugar manufacturers in the country, has reported an increase in its net profit to Rs 131 crore. The company has witnessed a hike in its profit on better realisation and cost-reduction measures.

S. Suresh, MD of the company said, “The industry is expecting an increase in the sugar MSP that will help the sector. Availability of cane is expected to be better in Karnataka for sugar season 2020-21 against previous sugar season, while in Tamil Nadu and Andhra it is expected to be in same lines as that of last year.”

MySugar mill revival: Mandya MP comes in support of cane growers - 10.11.2020

Mandya: Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambarish promised that she would lead the agitation for the demand of the revival of the closed sugar mill. MP said that she will agitate in front of the Sugar Minister’s residence at Bengaluru if no action taken regarding the commencement of the mill.

According to the media report, presiding over a meeting with sugarcane growers at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office on Saturday, Sumalatha said, “We are expecting that the state government will take up the issue soon after the announcement of the by-election results. I am with sugarcane farmers.”

Farmers demand hike in sugarcane price to Rs 400 per quintal - 10.11.2020

Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh: Sugarcane farmers under the banner of Bhartiya Kisan Union demanded a hike in the sugarcane purchase price to Rs 400 per quintal.
The demand was raised in the monthly meeting of the BKU at Nahtaur.

The farmers stated that the government should consider the increase in the input cost of the sugarcane cultivation and based on it should hike the cane price. Farmers also claimed that we have also received the cane dues of the previous season.

“By-products of the sugar industry are very important” - 10.11.2020

Kanpur: Today, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur has organized this webinar on two very important topics relating to “Production of bio-gas or bio-CNG from filter cake” and “Production of potash rich fertilizer from the ash of incineration boilers in molasses distilleries”. Inaugurating the webinar Mr. Sudhanshu Pandey, Secretary (Food & Public Distribution), Government of India said that both the topics are important for obtaining value added products from the waste of sugar factories and distilleries. As on date the potential of producing such products which have assured market and may open a new stream of revenue for the sugar industry has not been adequately harnessed. He congratulated National Sugar Institute, Kanpur for taking the initiative for developing the technologies which may go a long way in improving the financial conditions of the sugar industry.

The by-products of the sugar industry are very important and their commercial exploitation through production of innovative products is the need of hour, said Mr. Subodh Singh, Joint Secretary (Sugar), Government of India. Industry, Institutes and related organizations have to work in cohesion for converting so called “waste to wealth or resource”.
Mr. Vivek Pittie, President, Indian Sugar Mills Association while lauding the efforts being made by the National Sugar Institute desired that Government of India may provide policy support for taking it forward.

Prof. Narendra Mohan, Director, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur while presenting an overview of the technology of production of bio-gas or bio-CNG from filter cake informed that institute has already conducted successful trials at the Experimental Sugar Factory. We produce about 9-10 million tonnes of filter cake every year which may yield about 0.35-0.40 million tonnes of bio-CNG, he added. Likewise, the ash of the incineration boilers in molasses distillery can be converted into potash rich fertilizer which is in great need and is imported to a larger extent. For about 46 billion litres of spent wash produced in molasses based distilleries per year utilization of spent wash may provide 12,88,000 tons of Potassium annually and tentatively one year’s effluents can meet the Potassium requirement of 1.55 million hectare land, he added. Now few distilleries have taken up installation of such plants but it is to be taken forward and should be a made an integral part of the waste management system.

During the webinar, presentations were made by M/s J&F Biogas, M/s Spectrum Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd. and M/s Praj Industries on production of biogas/bio-CNG from filter cake and utilization of residual slurry as bio-fertilizer. We have perfected the technology and only certain challenges with respect to quality of filter cake and supply chain main management need to be addressed, said Mr. Joseph, Director, M/s J&F Biogas. For converting boiler ash to potash rich fertilizer, presentations were made by M/s New Frontier Engineers and M/s Gayatri Fertiplants International Pvt. Ltd elaborating the process of addition to other nutrients and granulation.

Sugarcane price in Haryana is highest in the country: CM Manohar Lal Khattar - 10.11.2020

Haryana: Sugarcane purchase price has been increased from Rs 340 per quintal to Rs 350 per quintal which is highest in the country, said state Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. We have fulfilled the demands of the sugarcane farmers, he said.

Speaking with media persons, Khattar said that the opposition is playing politics by raising issues of farmers but they have failed to do so as we are doing all the possible things for the welfare of farmers.

“The state government has decided to increase the sugarcane price by Rs 10 per quintal accepting the demand of the farmers despite the price of the sugar is not high in the market. Now the price has been increased from Rs 340 per quintal to Rs 350 per quintal and it is the highest in the country”, he further added.

Maharashtra: Beneficiaries of public distribution system to get sugar at subsidized rate - 09.11.2020

Mumbai: With Diwali in mind, the Maharashtra government has decided to distribute 1 kg sugar at a subsidized rate of Rs 20 per kg. As many as 7 crore beneficiaries of the public distribution system covered under the National Food Security Act will be benefited.

According to the news report published in freepressjournal.in, Food and Civil Supply Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said, “The government has taken a decision with Diwali in mind. There are 1.60 crore green ration cardholders covering 7 crore beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Scheme and the Priority Household People.”

“We are working 24X7 to ensure that the sugar reached at PDS shops so that these ration cardholders could get the sugar on time ahead of Diwali festival,” he further added.

Nanauta sugar mill begins cane crushing operations - 09.11.2020

Gagalheri, Uttar Pradesh: Many sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh commenced cane crushing season. Nanauta sugar mill too began its crushing season. The inauguration of the season was done by Kairana MP Pradeep Chaudhary.

The mill administration had organized a puja to mark the sugarcane crushing season. The farmers that brought the cane for the crushing were facilitated in the presence of the guests. Several dignitaries, government officials, mill officials, farmers and others were present on the occasion.

Kaithal sugar mill to commence cane crushing season from November 12 - 09.11.2020

Kaithal cooperative sugar mill will begin its cane crushing operations from November 12 and the inauguration will be done by Haryana Cooperation Minister, Dr. Banwari Lal. The mill is expected to produce 4.5 lakh quintal sugar by crushing around 40 lakh quintal sugarcane during this season.

Along with producing sugar, the mill will for the first time produce jaggery on an experimental basis. Sugar mills in the state have been given a target to crush 754 lakh quintal of sugarcane for 2020-21 season.

MLA meets CM to revive sugar mill - 09.11.2020

Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh: MLA Sanjay Gangwar met Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath to discuss the issue of closed Majhola sugar mill. During his interaction with CM, he informed him there is pressure on other sugar mills for crushing and if Majhola mill gets revive then it will help to solve many problems.

UP CM assured MLA to looked into the issue. Because of the bad condition of its plant and machinery, the mill was closed down few years ago.

Haryana sets target of crushing 754 lakh quintal sugarcane this season - 09.11.2020

Chandigarh, Haryana: Sugar mills in the state have been given a target to crush 754 lakh quintal of sugarcane for 2020-21 season, said Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister J P Dalal. The target set this year is higher as compared with last season when 702 lakh quintals of sugarcane was crushed.

He also asked the sugar mills from the state to start operations as per the scheduled date. Minister was addressing a meeting of the Haryana State Sugarcane Control Board on Sunday.

During the meeting, he was apprised that with a view to increase the sugar recovery percentage, directions have been given to Saraswati Sugar Mill of Yamunagar to comprehensively study all the reasons related to the ongoing sugar recovery percentage obtained by the cooperative sugar mill, Shahabad within two months.

Sugarcane Commissioner issues toll free number to register complaint of the farmers - 09.11.2020

Lucknow: Commissioner, Cane and Sugar, Shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy told that, now if the sugarcane farmers have any problems related to sugarcane then they may get solution of same by registering their complaint through their phone itself. For this, the department has started toll free number 1800-121-3203 for the farmers of the State. For the problems related to cane survey, satta, calendar, and parchi a toll free number 1800- 103-5823 has also been started by the ERP service provider company, on which the farmers by registering their complaints may get quick redressal of the same.

Giving detailed information in this regard Shri Bhoosreddy told that both the above numbers are working 24×7. If the farmer has any problem related to survey, satta, calendar or parchi etc, he should first register his problem on Amity’s toll free number 1800-103-5823. He can also register his complaint on departmental toll free number 1800-121-3203. After the call the call executive will note down the name, address, Farmer code, village code and the problem of the farmer. The complaint then will be transferred to the concerned district level officers. After this the concerned officer will approach the farmer and resolve their complaint. After the disposal of the complaint, the farmer will be informed through S.M.S. The officials of headquarter will also monitor the disposal of the Complaints on daily basis. He informed, that the farmer can register their complaint on grievance redressal column of web portal www.caneup.in or E-ganna App, the solution of the same will be ensured by the concerned officers within certain period of time.

He also informed that ‘Farm Machinery Banks’ have been established in 126 Cane Development Societies/Cooperative Sugar Mill Societies. In case any problems is faced by farmers in getting Agricultural implements from ‘Farm Machinery Banks’ or in rent of implements than the farmers may register their complaint on departmental toll free number 1800-121-3203 for quick solution of the same.

For getting the latest information about the modern techniques of sugarcane cultivation and prevention of pest and disease etc, sugarcane farmers can also get solution of their problems from agricultural Scientist by calling on Kisan Call Centre toll free number 1800-180-1551 of Government of India. It is worth mentioning that with the help of this toll free number, the farmer are directly connected with K.V.K. scientists and can get solution of their problems directly on phone.

Giving the above information is Shri Bhoosreddy called upon the sugarcane farmers to use technology to resolve their problems, so that the farmers would not have to travel around the officers and it would also save their time and money. The said system will also help in preventing the spread of covid-19 pandemic.

Maharashtra: Sugar Factory workers threaten to go on strike from November 30 - 09.11.2020

New Delhi: Sugar factory workers in Maharashtra have threatened to go on indefinite strike from November 30 if their salaries are not hiked from this crushing season.

As many as 1.50 lakh workers work in the 274 sugar factories in Maharashtra. The sugar factory workers have raised the banner of a strike as their existing contract for wages has already ended on March 31, 2019.

The unions fighting for these workers have stated that the sugar factory management has accepted their demand to constitute a new committee to review their demand but the action is not yet taken. This has fuelled the agitation and the workers have again threatened to launch an agitation. If this happens, it will affect the sugarcane crushing season in the state.

Khambarkhera sugar mill begins sugarcane crushing operations - 07.11.2020

Lakhimpur Kheri: Khambarkhera sugar mill commenced sugarcane crushing season on Friday by performing Puja at the mill premises.
The sugarcane farmers along with workers and others were present on the occasion.

The mill administration has assured cane growers that the crushing will be completed on time and has appealed them to cooperate during the crushing period.

Telangana minister visits Someshwara sugar factory in Maharashtra - 07.11.2020

Hyderabad: Telangana Agriculture Minister Singireddy Niranjan Reddy visited the Sri Someshwara Farmer Cooperative Sugar Factory in Maharashtra.

Impressed by the activities of the sugar mill, he said that as many as 27,000 farmers are connected with the mill and are growing cane and getting benefitted by producing sugar, ethanol and generating electricity. The minister is on an official tour in Maharashtra.

He later met Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar and discussed the issues related to the sugarcane farmers in the country.

149 sugar factories commence cane crushing season till November 5 - 07.11.2020

New Delhi: According to the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd. (NFCSF), with the onset of sugarcane crushing season, as many as 149 sugar factories across the country have, till November 5 this year, crushed 54.61 lakh tonnes sugarcane and have produced 4.25 lakh tonnes sugar. This is 3.20 lakh tonnes more than last year’s sugar production during the same period.

Last year, only 39 sugar factories had started by this date and had crushed 12.86 lakh tonnes cane and had produced 1.05 lakh tonnes of sugar. The average sugar recovery at the national level has recorded 7.82 per cent (as on November 5 this year ) which is 0.38 per cent less than the same period last year.

Despite the onslaught of retreat rains during the first fortnight of October, Maharashtra has taken the lead in crushing sugarcane in the current season as its 61 factories have produced 1.65 lakh tonnes new sugar by crushing 23.57 lakh tonnes sugarcane with average 7 per cent sugar recovery, as on November 5. Considering the estimated volume of sugar diversion for ethanol, at the end of the season, Maharashtra’s net sugar production is expected to be 95 lakh tonnes, an increase of 33.30 lakh tonnes over 61.71 lakh tonnes achieved last year.

Maharashtra is followed by Karnataka where it’s 18 mills have crushed 15.61 lakh tonnes of cane with an average of 8.65 per cent sugar recovery have produced 1.35 lakh tonnes of new sugar. At the end of the season, 43 lakh tonnes sugar is estimated to be produced by Karnataka. New sugar production is estimated to be 8 lakh tonnes more than last year’s production of 35 lakh tonnes.

In Uttar Pradesh, 50 mills have crushed 9.41 lakh tonnes of sugarcane and have produced 80,000 tonnes of new sugar at an average recovery of 8.50 per cent. By the end of the season, 123 lakh tonnes of new sugar is expected to be produced, which would be 3.35 lakh tonnes less than last year’s record sugar production of 126.35 lakh tonnes. Thus Uttar Pradesh continues to be the largest sugar producer on National sugar map.

Gujarat’s 13 mills have started & have crushed 2 lakh tonnes cane to produce 10,000 tonnes new sugar at an average recovery of 5%. End season estimated sugar production from Gujarat would be 10 lakh tonnes against last year’s production of 9.30 lakh tonnes.

Tamil Nadu is on a recovery path with 4 mills having started their crushing season have crushed 4 lakh tonnes cane & have produced 35,000 Tonnes new sugar at an average recovery of 8.7%. End season estimated sugar production from Tamilnadu would be 7 lakh tonnes.

Season in all other states is in the process of starting. Production numbers of these states would be covered in our next fortnightly report.

“At the start of the season, with a opening stock of 107.18 lakh tonnes and the addition of 311 lakh tonnes new sugar, the total availability during the current season goes up to a record 418.18 lakh tonnes. Although 260 lakh tonnes of sugar out of it can be used for domestic purposes, at least 50 to 60 lakh tonnes sugar needs to be exported. And the National Federation of Co-operative Sugar Factories (NFSF) has taken up the matter with the concerned ministry. The Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution Mr. Piyush Goyal will be holding an important interactive session with the captains of the sugar industry next week to discuss the key issues facing the industry. This will help the government in taking certain positive measures, “said Mr Prakash Naiknavare, Managing Director, NFCSF.

Farmers demand clearing of cane arrears on priority basis - 07.11.2020

Palia Kalan, Lakhimpur Kheri (Uttar Pradesh): Sugarcane farmers under the banner of Bhartiya Kisan Mazdoor (Singhania) protested at Tehsil office demanding pending cane arrears from the sugar mill. The farmers under the BKU unit have also submitted a memorandum of their demands addressing the chief minister.

Farmers have stated that they are facing financial problems due to the Covid-19 impact and are unable to meet their daily needs as Palia mill has not cleared their dues.

Durgesh Kumar Vishwakarma, leader of BKU, who led the agitation said, “The mill is exploiting the farmers by not paying their dues. We want sugarcane dues payment as soon as possible.”

Chamundeshwari sugar factory begins cane crushing operations - 07.11.2020

After a gap of four years, the Chamundeshwari sugar factory commenced sugarcane crushing on Friday. The factory is located at Srinivasapura in Channarayapatna taluk.

The farmers and the Shravanabelagola MLA C.N.Balakrishna were present during the inauguration of the crushing season and they dumped the bundles of sugarcane at a crushing chain to start the operations.
The farmers from the district had earlier staged agitations for the revival of this closed factory.

Addressing the farmers on the occasion, Mr. Balakrishna said, “The sugarcane crushing had been stopped as the private operator wanted time to expand the capacity of the machinery. Due to demonetisation and COVID-19 pandemic, the relaunch of the factory was delayed. Meanwhile, a dust catcher also collapsed further delaying the expansion efforts.”

India to divert 20 LMT of sugar into ethanol in the current season 2020-21 - 07.11.2020

The Indian sugar industry is paving its way to divert sugar to produce ethanol in the wake of surplus sugar which has constantly depressing sugar prices. With the recently announced hike in prices of ethanol, the sugar industry is armed to produce more ethanol and improve its financial health along with reducing the oil import bills.

Today bids were opened for Ethanol supplies to OMCs from Juice, B heavy, C heavy and Damaged grains. As per Industry sources, against a total requirement of 465 crore litres, 322 cr litres offers have been received. The offers are double the quantity offered in the last ethanol year. If you look at last year’s diversion, it stood around 7 lakhs tonnes equivalent sugar. This year the diversion of sugar basis the offer received today to OMCs is 20 LMT it shall have a major impact on the Sugar Balance sheet. Indian sugar industry’s apex body ISMA had given a similar projection in their first crop estimates last month.

PM Narendra Modi’s new biofuel policy that focuses to make the village economy stronger and aid India’s energy security in a cleaner environment is getting a big boost well supported by the sugar industry. The Government has a target to develop a ₹ -trillion biofuel economy.

Uttar Pradesh: Shekhupur sugar mill to start cane crushing season from November 18 - 06.11.2020

Budaun, Uttar Pradesh: The Shekhupur sugar mill will start cane crushing activities from November 18. The mill administration has set a target of crushing more sugarcane than the previous season.

According to the news report published in Jagran.com, Rajiv Rastogi, General manager of the sugar mill said that the mill has crushed 13.97 lakh tonne sugarcane during the 2019-20 season. In the previous season, the sugar recovery rate was 8.88 per cent, and in the current season, we aim recovery at 9 per cent.

Administration asks sugar mills to pay Rs 90 crore cane dues till Diwali - 06.11.2020

Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh: Sugar mills in the district have been instructed to pay Rs 90 crore rupees till Diwali. Sugarcane crushing season has begun in the district and almost all the mills have started crushing operations. The district is one of the leading regions in the state in clearing cane dues.

According to the news report published in Jagran.com, District cane officer Dr. R D Dwivedi said that Morna, Khatauli, Titawi, Mansurpur, Rohana, Tikaula, Bhaisana and Khaikheda sugar mills from the district had to pay Rs 3402.93 crore to the cane farmer. They have cleared Rs 2556.09 crore. A further payment of Rs 36.45 crore has been made till November 4.

The administration has asked the cane farmers to pay Rs 90 crore to the cane farmers before Diwali.

Laksar sugar mill to start cane crushing after Diwali - 06.11.2020

Dehradun, Uttarakhand: Laksar sugar mill will start operations after Diwali. The mill has completed preparations for sugarcane procurement at all its purchasing centres.

More than 45,000 sugarcane farmers send their cane to the sugar mill for crushing. The delay in starting operations of the mill has compelled the farmers to send their cane to the jaggery production units.

According to the news report, Ajay Kumar Khandelwal, chief manager of the mill, said that the mill will start operations after Diwali.

Karnal sugar mill to start crushing operations from November 10 - 06.11.2020

Haryana: Karnal cooperative sugar mill will start new cane crushing operations from November 10. Deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav has appealed to the committee members to make farmers aware to bring more sugarcane to the mill. He was addressing the meeting of the board committee of a sugar mill on Tuesday.

For the convenience of the sugarcane farmers, many types of facilities are being provided by the mill. The management assured that in terms of sugar production, the mill will perform well like previous seasons.

According to the news report published in Jagran.com, in a meeting it has also been decided to repair the mill’s godowns. Repair of godowns will cost around five lakh rupees.

Rosa sugar mill begins cane crushing season - 06.11.2020

Shahjahanpur: The crushing season of Rosa sugar mill was inaugurated in presence of District Magistrate Indra Vikram Singh and Superintendent of Police S Anand by putting the sugarcane in a carrier for crushing.

Meanwhile, the DM checked the weighing machine and other equipment in the mill. Mill administration has appealed to the farmers to cooperate with them in order to make this season successful.

Telangana Minister asks Trident sugar to clear pending cane dues by November 18 - 06.11.2020

Sangareddy: Finance Minister T Harish Rao has asked Trident sugar to clear the pending sugarcane dues to the cane farmers by November 18. Earlier he had asked the district authorities to initiate action against the management of Trident Sugar Industries, Zaheerabad immediately for recovering pending cane arrears.

He met the officials of the company at Hyderabad during which he asked them to clear pending arrears of around Rs 12.70 crores.

He warned the company that if farmers do not get dues before the deadline, then action will be initiated against them under the Revenue Recovery act.

Farmers to sow wheat on an additional 15,000 acres of land due to early commencement of sugarcane crushing - 05.11.2020

Chandigarh, Haryana: with the starting of the sugarcane crushing season earlier, the sugarcane farmers are ready to clear their fields and start sowing wheat for the Rabi season.

The farmers from Haryana will be able to increase the area under wheat cultivation by 15,000 acres this year as the Palwal and Panipat sugar mills have begun cane crushing early.

State Co-operative Minister Dr. Banwari Lal said that the mills have begun crushing earlier by 20-25 days this year as compared with last year. “This will help the farmers to clear their fields from sugarcane and take up wheat sowing,” he further added.

Telangana: Minister asks Sangareddy district officials to make alternative arrangements for sugarcane crushing - 05.11.2020

Hyderabad: As Trident Sugar Industries is not in the position to take up crushing this year, State Finance Minister T Harish Rao has asked Sangareddy district officials to make alternative arrangements for sugarcane crushing. He has asked the officials to take action against the Trident Company under Revenue Recovery Act for failing to clear dues.

He held meetings with the representatives of Trident, Ganapati and Magi sugar companies at Sangareddy Collector office in presence of the sugarcane farmers.

He asked Zaheerabad area’s cane growers not to worry, as they will tie up with Ganapathi Sugar Industries and Magy Sugar industries to take up the crushing.

Sugar mill management assures to clear workers’ pending salary - 05.11.2020

Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh: The employees of the Puranpur cooperative sugar mill agreed to resume work after the mill administration agreed to pay their salaries before Diwali. The workers resumed duty from Wednesday.

According to the news report published in Jagran.com, the workers had boycotted the work from Tuesday for their demand of pending wages. The workers included temporary, on muster roll and daily wages workers. The workers claimed that they have not received salaries for the last three months and financial problems due to its delay.

Goa government working on starting new sugar factory within 2 years: Minister - 05.11.2020

Goa government is working on a plan to set up a new sugar factory in two years, said state’s Agriculture Minister Babu Kavlekar. He also said that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured that the Sanjivani sugar factory will not be closed.

Recently, after unable to get a clear indication from the state government over the fate of the factory, the sugarcane farmers from Sanguem area formed a committee under the banner of Sanjivani Bachao Samiti.

According to President Samiti’s President Bostiao Simoes,”We will continue to hold meetings with sugarcane farmers across the state to make them aware of the ground realities regarding sugar factory.”

Sugar: Weekly market outlook as on 4th November 2020 - 05.11.2020

Price trend for November 2020 – Our Opinion
Historically, we understand that the sugar prices dip down as the mills begin sugar crushing. It is in interest of the millers as they want to finish off old inventory in order to make storage for the new inventory. Sugar production forecast for the year 2020-2021 is 31+ million tons, and after the diversion of sugar to ethanol, India is entering into a surplus year, which is not a positive news for the industry. It’s not a positive news for two reasons primarily, first being the surplus year and most importantly the second, Indian government now is not considering to give any sort of export subsidy, which worries the sugar millers. Ethanol diversion is not appreciable as the number for production is not going to see any huge impact, but it may, year on year, in future.

Since, so far there’s no support from the government in terms of subsidizing exports or increasing the MSP, the monetary burden will pertain to domestic sugar prices. The demand for sugar is estimated to weaken post the festivities, as there’ll be a slow down in consumption from the institutional buyers after Diwali passes.

Having seen all the downsides, let’s have a look at the possible upsides. As Indian sugar industry is not liberal, which means sugar being a regulated commodity, the government decides the prices of sugarcane, sugar and ethanol to manage it’s sale. The government may intervene anytime and may introduce a hike in MSP at Rs. 33 per kg or may give some sort of financial assistance for exports in form of subsidy or otherwise. It could be a probable upside, if the government decides to take steps in this direction, if not, the situation will persist; domestic prices will collapse.

The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.chinimandi.com

Uttar Pradesh: DM asks sugar mills to clear cane dues - 04.11.2020

Basti, Uttar Pradesh: Sugarcane crushing season commenced in Uttar Pradesh, but cane growers claim many sugar mills failed to clear the cane dues of the previous season. The administration seems to be stern over pending cane dues.

According to the news report published in LiveHindustan.com, the sugar mills in the district are yet to pay cane dues of Rs 144 crore. DM reviewed the pending cane dues in the district. He asked mills to pay the arrears on a priority basis.

Sugar mills due to low sugar sales they are facing a financial crisis and are unable to pay the cane dues.

Modi sugar mill commences sugarcane crushing season - 4.11.2020

Ghaziabad: Modi sugar mill commenced crushing session on Wednesday after performing pooja. Many dignitaries were present on this occasion including MLA Dr Manju Shiwach, Modi Industries Chairman Seth Umesh Kumar Modi, Bhojpur block chief Krishnbir Singh and others.

According to the news report published in Jagran.com, Seth Umesh Kumar Modi congratulated the farmers on starting the sugar mill. Speaking on pending cane dues, he said it would be cleared as soon as a company receive finances.

Titawi sugar mill begins cane crushing operations - 04.11.2020

Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh: Titawi sugar mill commenced sugarcane crushing operations by performing the puja. The farmers that carried cane at the mill for crushing were felicitated by the mill officials .

Sudhir Kumar, General manager of the mill, appealed farmers to cooperate with the mill’s administration in the current season.

Haryana: Cooperative sugar mills to start cane crushing from next week - 04.11.2020

Chandigarh: All the cooperative sugar mills from Haryana will start cane crushing from next week, said Dr. Banwari Lal, state cooperative minister. He was speaking while inaugurating 64th cane crushing season of Panipat Sugar mill.

He said, “We have also increased targets of the sugar mills this season and have taken efforts to achieve this. We are planning to set up a new sugar mill with a capacity of 5,000 TCD in Panipat district. This will benefit the farmers from Panipat as well as neighbouring districts. The construction of the mill will start from March next year and the crushing capacity of the new mill would be 50,000 quintals per day.”

“The farmers should plant a high yielding variety of sugarcane that will help in increasing cane recovery that will benefit farmers as well as millers,” he further added.

Daurala, Sakoti and Nanglamal sugar mills start cane crushing season - 03.11.2020

Meerut, Uttar Pradesh: Daurala, Sakoti and Nanglamal sugar mills started sugarcane crushing season on Monday. The sugar mills felicitated the sugarcane farmers that brought the first tractor-trolley loaded with the cane.

Daurala began its 89th crushing season by performing puja at the mill and felicitating farmers. For Sakauti mill, Pandit Govind Sharan Mishra performed puja before starting cane crushing. The mill officials have appealed the sugarcane farmers to not to overload trucks with sugarcane while bringing them to the mill for crushing.

Nanglamal sugar mill’s crushing season was inaugurated by performing puja.

Truck carrying sugarcane overturns in Pilibhit - 03.11.2020

Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh: With the commencement of sugarcane crushing season, trucks loaded with sugarcane can be seen on the roads.

In the previous season, the accident of many sugarcane loaded vehicles were reported. In a recent incident, a sugarcane laden truck coming from Madhotanda village overturned after the driver lost his control. Many awareness camps on road safety for sugarcane transporters were organized to increase awareness in the previous season.

China may ban Australian sugar - 03.11.2020

The trade disputes and ongoing escalation in tensions between China and Australia may result in Beijing likely to impose sanctions on sugar imported from Canberra. According to the media reports, this comes after China has banned imports of Australian timber from Queensland and a second Australian grain exporter had its barley imports suspended over the weekend.

This may create trouble for Australia as the country’s economy already impacted by corona Pandemic.

Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana demands 14 per cent hike on total FRP - 03.11.2020

Kolhapur, Maharashtra: Intensifying the agitation against the sugar millers in the state, Farmers’ leader Raju Shetti has demanded the FRP plus 14 per cent hike in the FRP per tonne for this season. Shetti made the demand during a sugarcane convention organized by his organization Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS). The convention was organised virtually on Monday.

Addressing the farmers online, he said, “Sugar millers should give a one-time FRP (fair remunerative price) without any cut, on top of 14 per cent hike on total FRP, on the lines of 14 per cent amount to be given to cane cutters and transport labourers for this year’s crushing season.”

“We will not accept the FRP in two or three installments and will not allow the mills the cane crushing if they fail to clear the FRP at one go,” he further added.

Karnataka: Farmers launch an agitation to demand hike in sugarcane price - 03.11.2020

Mysore, Karnataka: Sugarcane farmers have launched an agitation demanding the higher rate for their sugarcane crops stating that the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) declared by the government is not sufficient. The farmers under the banner of Karnataka Sugarcane Growers Association launched an agitation in front of the office of Deputy Commissioner to press for their demand.

According to the media reports, the farmers warned of intensifying their protest if the Government fails to come to the rescue of sugarcane growers, by forcing sugar factories to clear their pending arrears.

Farmers withdrew their agitation after additional deputy commission ADC Manjunath Swamy assured them to address their demands.

Gain certainty in uncertainty at the “Asian Sugarcane and Biofuels Virtual Conference” - 03.11.2020

As the global sugar deficit bites due to adverse weather conditions and COVID constraints, manufacturers, traders and end-users are all experiencing turmoil. Sugar prices are undergoing extreme volatility. With the markets in flux what can we expect for 2021 and beyond?

Join us at the Asia Sugarcane & Biofuels virtual conference as we arm you with the information you need to seize opportunities with confidence during challenging circumstances.

November 6, 2020 | 09:00 am – 06:20 pm SGT (GMT +8) | Online

In talks with ChiniMandi News, Jade Tynan, Conference Producer – S&P Global Platts shared views on the conference. She said “With the coronavirus impacting sugar and ethanol markets across the supply chain, opinions are varied on how the industry will recover and move forward.

Questions are being asked about how to drive demand and market participants are discussing such strategies as implementing a COVID-safe certification. The balance of producing sugar or ethanol has largely been impacted by extreme oil price volatility. Gain certainty in uncertainty at the Asian Sugarcane and Biofuels Virtual Conference on November 6th!

The conference features a stellar line up of speakers discussing the issues at the forefront. Replays will be available for all attendees and networking opportunities abound.”

Various topics of discussion include
– Brazil: will Brazil be heading for another max sugar crop in April 2021?
– Thailand: will a ban on agricultural chemicals affect sugar production in Thailand?
– India: production and exports outlook for 2020-2021
– How will flexibility save the year for Brazillian millers?
– Asia Ethanol and Gasoline Markets – Impact of COVID-19
– How does covid changed the sugar market outlook, where do we stand now in terms of global surplus / deficit and how the global movements changed?
– Will the sugar markets be back in surplus? Raw versus whites: a story of two tails
– End-user perspective: will sugar tax alter consumption behaviors in Asia?
– World Sugar Flows and various challenges faced due to COVID, effect on world consumption of sugar and potential changes in consumer behaviour

Baghpat and Ramala sugar mills begin cane crushing season - 02.11.2020

Baghpat: Baghpat and Ramala sugar mills began sugarcane crushing for the season 2020-21. The inauguration of mills operations were held in presence of MP Dr. Satyapal Singh and DM Shakuntala Gautam.

After performing puja, Singh directed the sugar mills to crush maximum sugarcane during this season. Several dignitaries of the sugar mill and cane farmers were present on the occasion.

Indian sugar industry’s major player Nirani Group projects going forward as a bio-energy company with sugar a by-product - 02.11.2020

Indian sugar industry’s major player Nirani Group is looking to evolve beyond the traditional sugar business model and expand further as it targets new long-term supply deals for the ethanol, leaving sugar as a by product. The company’s Managing Director – Mr. Vijay Nirani told ChiniMandi News in an interview.

Speaking on his assessment on the sugar season in terms of sugar production, exports and profitability he said, “With a very good monsoon this year, Karnataka is set to see a record breaking crushing season this year. The district of Bagalkot itself has forecasted a crushing of 14 million Mt, which is the highest ever. This year is an opportunity to crush with high efficiency and try and make it even with the preceding 3 bad seasons where we had to face huge natural calamities like droughts and flash floods. The high crushing that is forecasted is not all merry, as there will be a huge gap between demand and supply as there is going to excess production of sugar, it is going to be a challenge in itself this year to get a good realisation for sugar.

With speculations from the Government of India, that they may not consider giving subsidy for exports, it will only multiply the challenges in hand. Though mills in the state and the country have a great chance to make up for the accumulated losses in the past, with good availability of quality cane, the millers are all set to exhibit their talents by ensuring high efficiency crushing with maximum value additions, the true crux of profitability lies with the sugar market dynamics, the Govt. has to ensure proper regulation to make sure the mills get a fair share in order to ensure timely and proper payments to farmers who are already in great distress due to continued draught, flash floods and now the spread of this deadly pandemic of COVID-19.

On being asked how he sees the prices of sugar in Karnataka State considering the aftermath of Covid-19 and no announcement of hike in MSP Nirani said, “It is definitely going to be a great challenge to get a proper realisation for sugar though there is an Minimum Selling Price (MSP), if we look at the pretext of MSP being set at ₹3100 is itself not a thorough price, in order to bridge the cost gap between FRP to MSP the MSP has to be revised to ₹3500. Since sugar being an essential commodity there is not going to be a huge drop in consumption by any means at the same time we know there is already carried forward stock from the last season and the production this year is going to be massive by all measures and the consumption of sugar is not going to increase all of a sudden. This is definitely going to directly impact the price, the symptoms have already begun, the rates are already in a downward trajectory.”

Sharing views about the growth prospect in Karnataka state for the sugar industry he shared, “It is definitely going to be value addition and ensuring zero wastage, we need to ensure there is a proper backward and a forward integration for all the mass that is being generated or put into use in the mills.”

“The major advantages that the sugar industries have are yet untapped by many, with just sugar cane as a raw material, we can generate – Sugar, jaggery powder, jaggery cakes, sugar syrup, icing sugar, Electricity, Pulp from Bagasse, furniture from bagasse, biodegradable products from bagasse, CNG and Bio gases, bio fuels, chemicals, ENA, Ethanol the list goes on. The key to sustain is to add value to every product, rather create products of value and not just depend on sugar as a product.” He further added.

Over the couple of years, Nirani Group has been widening its wings in the business of sugar, answering whether there are any further plans on expansion in capacity and beyond Karnataka Nirani said, “We started off about 2 decades ago as the smallest industry in the country with a crushing capacity of 500 mT per day, but now stand tall with a consolidated crushing capacity of 60,000mT with 230 MW of Co-Generation and with allied integration spread across 6 mills. We have understood the weight that the sector carries and envision the thousands of lives that each of our mills have an effect on. We have been turning around sick units in the state, like Kedarnath Sugars and Agro, Badami Sugars Ltd, Pandavapura SSk, Sreerama Sugars SSK, SPR sugars, these were all closed/distressed units that we took over and are being run professionally and successfully, directly helping out all the families that were associated with those mills by means of employment, by crushing farmers cane in time, by creating many unorganised businesses around the campuses and creating revenue for the state and the country.

Coming towards, how we at Nirani Group are taking measures to step up for the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP); our chairman Shri Murugesh R Nirani ji was one of the pioneers of this EBP programme, he being a close associate in the govt and decision making, had key impact in developing of this scheme. As a group we already have a production capacity of 650 KLPD and are in an advanced stage of expanding the capacities to over 1000 KLPD by December of 2021.

The EBP program has truly been a blessing not just for the health of the sugar industry but also achieves major goals like, reducing crude imports, directly benefiting our FOREX and addressing major ecological crises.

We were one of the first in the state to divert sugarcane juice to Ethanol, during the previous crushing season 19-20, we have produced close to 16 Million litres of Ethanol from Sugarcane juice/Syrup.

Going forward also we have all the plans to divert maximum of sugar into producing Ethanol we estimate a production of close to 96 Million liters of Ethanol purely from Sugarcane juice/syrup, the decision to allow Sugar cane juice/Syrup/B-heavy molasses for Ethanol and giving attractive incentives have been a landmark policy in the country for Sugar Sector.

On being asked, what long term policies should be announced by the Govt. for the sugar industry to develop he said, “The Govt. should first eliminate the EBP hinges, like allowing for OMCs to enter into a 5 year supply contract and bringing in 2nd round of Interest subvention scheme, the GOI has already addressed a big crux, the enhancement of rate for ethanol by 3 odd rupees is an icing on the cake.

The key policy that is thoroughly in need is the revision in MSP to ₹3500 at least, this is no way going to burden the average consumer as shelling out ₹3 to 5 more on sugar is not a huge impact for them, as compared to the benefits that this decision would bring, timely and prompt payments to farmers and sustainability of the mills.

“Also to address the challenge of excess supply of sugar in the country the GOI usually gives export subsidy, which is usually released after a lot of scrutiny and delays, instead they should allow for this excess sugar to be diverted to ethanol so that the cash cycle is quicker and we address the demand that is there for ethanol.
This diversion of excess sugar to Ethanol can be considered as deemed export and the same benefit can be given to the sugar mills that adopt this mechanism.

To address the issue of excess production the GOI should increase the radial distance between the plants from the existing 15 Kms to atlest 35 Kms.” Nirani added.

Baghpat and Ramala sugar mill begin cane crushing season - 02.11.2020

Baghpat: Baghpat and Ramala sugar mills began sugarcane crushing for the season 2020-21. The inauguration of mills operations were held in presence of MP Dr. Satyapal Singh and DM Shakuntala Gautam.

After performing puja, Singh directed the sugar mills to crush maximum sugarcane during this season. Several dignitaries of the sugar mill and cane farmers were present on the occasion.

Tejaswi Yadav promises to revive Chakia sugar mill - 02.11.2020

Motihari, Bihar: Addressing an election rally in the Pipra assembly constituency, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav promised that if voted to power, he would revive the Chakia sugar mill which has been closed for several years.

Attacking heavily on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, he said, “The election will decide the fate of Nitish government which has not done anything good for farmers. After coming to power our first decision would be to revive the Chakiya sugar mill. We will also provide jobs to the 10 lakh youths.”

His party is contesting Bihar state assembly elections against Nitish Kumar and his alliance.

Cane crushing will take place without any obstruction: Minister - 02.11.2020

Kolhapur, Maharashtra: Sugarcane farmers have been demanding for one time fair and remunerative price (FRP) payment. As per media reports, mill operators have agreed for the same.

According to the news report published in The Times of India, the meeting of the farmers’ organizations and sugar millers was convened under the leadership of Kolhapur guardian minister Satej Patil. He said, “The farmers outfits and mill operators have agreed upon paying the farmers on the basis of the FRP fixed for this season. Now, I hope there are no violent agitations by the farmers and cane crushing will take place without any obstruction.”

The decision of the mill operators to pay the farmers as per the FRP rates is welcomed by Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghtana (SSS). Welcoming the decision taken by sugar mills, Jalandar Patil, leader of SSS said, “The payment should be done in one go and not in instalments as it happened last year.”

Views of Indian sugar industry on “no export subsidy” - 02.11.2020

The export scheme for the Indian sugar industry has so far played positively in the recent sugar seasons after it has helped sugar mills reduce stock piles and also improve their liquidity position. Therefore industry stakeholders have been in eager anticipation for the export policy announcement.

After, Food and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday 30th Oct. 2020 while addressing the media said that the Government of India is currently under “no consideration” of announcing the subsidy for export of sugar even after one month of entering the new sugar season, sugar millers across the country have been left even more anxious.

Speaking to ChiniMandi News, Mr. Adhir Jha – Managing Director & CEO, Indian Sugar Exim Corporation Limited (ISEC) shared his views on how he sees the scenario without export subsidy.
“This appears to be a hasty conclusion, without understanding the very dynamics and situation of the industry today. Firstly, we have last year’s unpaid subsidy which sums to around ₹5000 crores payable by the Govt.

Secondly, we are looking at a big crop of over 30 million tonnes which will add to opening stock and goodly to tremendous arrears at the end of the season. If we don’t have an early policy or clarity on the exports, Brazil given the current prices will move more and more towards sugar production and grab most of the contracts in the global market, by the time we (India) realize that we need to evacuate the sugar, we would have lost a substantial part of the market building up tall cane arrears.”

“Having said that, yes the market has improved a little but unless there is a clarity before the beginning of the season we cannot enter into long term contracts. The world does not only look at white sugar it actually looks at raw sugar in bulk and for that to happen we need at least two months of logistics to produce the sugar, move it to the port & load it. So in that senseI feel perhaps a rethink with respect to export policy is required, the earlier it is done probably the better it would be.” Jha further added.

Further in talks with ChiniMandi News, millers from various states shared their views,
Mr. B. B. Thombare CMD, Natural Sugar and Allied Industries Limited said, “The Government of India needs to provide subsidy for exports of sugar this year too because the production is already estimated to be 32 million tonnes leading into a big quantum of surplus sugar. If the industry is not provided with export subsidy exports may not take place, the domestic market will collapse. The FRP will even become tough to be paid too.”

Mr.Yogesh Patil — Executive Director & CFO at Athani Sugars Ltd said,
“I feel the Government should continue incentivising exports of sugar for this season too to support industry. The Government may reduce the subsidy amount due to fiscal deficit if required. If we allow global market to rise above certain level then it would be detrimental to the Indian sugar industry in a long run because other countries may quickly change their product mix to manufacture more sucrose to take advance of higher sugar prices”

Mr. M Manickam – CMD at Sakthi Sugars Ltd. said, “The Indian cane price is very high because of which the cost of production is also high. If there is excess production, exports don’t seem to be viable without export subsidy.”

Smt. T. Sarita Reddy, Executive Director at Gayatri Sugars said, “We were looking forward to exports of 6 million tonnes basis export subsidy given by the Government. If this quantity does not go out of the country the domestic market will be loaded with this quantity leading to a crash in domestic prices and ultimately we will not be able to pay the farmers their cane dues. The cane prices are so high that it has become not only unaffordable for the business but also exports. Export subsidy along with announcement on hike of Minimum Selling Price of sugar needs to be done on priority otherwise the farmers will be affected drastically.”

Mr. Chandra Mohan, Director at Magadh Sugar & Energy Ltd. said “The industry will surely be in more problems with the biggest being the inventories of sugar.”

Chandpur sugar mill starts cane crushing operations - 02.11.2020

Chandpur, Uttar Pradesh: Chandpur sugar mill began cane crushing operations from Monday. The formal inauguration of the crushing season was done by MLA Kamlesh Saini and Indu Singh, director, cooperative bank, Lucknow. The first preference to crush sugarcane was given to the sugarcane farmer from Mansurpur village named as Kalu Singh who was carrying cane loaded from his field. The cane was put into the cane chain indicating the starting of cane operations for this season.

According to the news report published in Amarujala.com, the farmers and BKU activists participated in the ceremony to start the operations of the mill. They raised the issues of pending cane arrears.

Committee formed in Goa starts working to revive sugarcane sector - 02.11.2020

Panaji: A committee formed in Goa to look after the welfare of the sugarcane farmers will revive the sector and bring its glory back, said its chief former Lok Sabha MP Narendra Sawaikar.

The Goa government has formed the 23-member committee to find a solution over the issues related to the sugarcane farmers associated with the Sanjivani sugar mill.

“We will take steps to encourage farmers to increase the area under sugarcane cultivation and bring back the sector’s glory” he further added.

Uttar Pradesh: Sugarcane farmers demand hike in sugarcane price - 02.11.2020

Shamli, Uttar Pradesh: Sugarcane farmers under the banner of Kisan Union have reiterated their demand for hike in the sugarcane purchase price to Rs 450 per quintal. The Kisan Union had convened a meeting of cane farmers at Kurmali village during which the demand was made.

Savit Malik, national president of the Union, said, “The power department cuts power if farmers fail to clear power bills. But sugarcane farmers are yet to receive pending cane dues. Electricity, diesel, fertilizer etc. have all become expensive. The production cost of the crop has gone up considerably. In such a situation, there should be a price of at least Rs 450 per quintal. At the same time, the government should also take effective steps to fulfill the promise of sugarcane payment within 14 days.”

Haryana: Farmers await cane dues of last season, call mahapanchayat on November 8 - 31.10.2020

Ambala, Haryana: Sugarcane farmers claim they are still awaiting the pending cane arrears of previous season from the Naraingarh sugar mill.

The mill is scheduled to start operations for the next season between November 20 and 25. Whereas farmers demanded to start operations from the second week of November. To decide their future course of action, the farmers have called a mahapanchayat on November 8.

According to the news report published in TribuneIndia.com, Rajiv Sharma, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) spokesman said, “The mill owes arrears around Rs 19 crore of the previous crushing season. The mill has announced that it will start operations from November 20, but we want operations to start from the second week of November. A mahapanchayat has been called on November 8 to decide the future course of action.”

“No consideration” on export subsidy for Indian sugar creates panic in global sugar market - 31.10.2020

The address on “no consideration” for the export subsidy of sugar by the Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday has already started creating panic in the global sugar market.

In talks with ChiniMandi, prominent independent brokerage houses shared their views.

Michael McDougall – Managing Director at Paragon Global Markets, LLC, shared his views, “The absence of a decision from India is supporting the structure. Perhaps there is also a thought that the subsidy amount could be reduced, thus raising the Indian “ceiling” (selling price) but this rising structure, plus the rising infections form COVID could begin to dampen demand for sugar. The other uncertainty is weather issues being generated by La Nina. Dry weather in Brazil potentially as well as rainy weather in India and Southeast Asia could hurt yield in Brazil and slow harvest in Asia depending on weather and India.”

An international sugar trader who doesn’t want his name to be mentioned shared his views. “The Indian sugar industry has been able to cope up with the perennial situation of excessive sugar stocks after being armed with export subsidy. No subsidy means disrupting the backbone of rural economics as a result there will be a turmoil among farmers and the people dependent on the sugar industry. Although the domestic prices are intact because of Minimum Selling Price (MSP), without exports the total stock in the country will be 15-16 million tonnes, which will play havoc with MSP.”

Mr. Gurdev Gill – Agricultural Options Broker at Marex Spectron said, “My take is that given Food and Public Distribution Minister Piyush Goyal’s speech alongside Food Secretary Sudhanshu Pandey’s comments about expected exports seemingly contradict one another. The international market believes the outcome of the subsidy is still unknown and cannot be relied upon having suffered delays of over 2 months versus 2019. With these delays and uncertainty/confusion there is a degree of risk premium added for now.”

Mr. Arnaldo Luiz Correa – Director at Archer Consulting said, “I think the first reaction will be the collapse of the domestic sugar market in India where prices may come to a point in which both domestic sugar prices and international prices would hover close around. I think it is also important to look at the possible second wave of the pandemic that can worsen the consumption situation in global terms.”

Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana to organize sugarcane convention virtually on November 2 - 31.10.2020

Kolhapur: Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) to organise its 19th convention through virtual mode on November 2. The decision has been taken following the threat of coronavirus pandemic.

Sharing the information to the media, state president of SSS Jalandhar Patil said, “It was earlier planned to be held at the Vikransingh ground in the Jaysingpur town here on the same date.”

The delegation of SSS met district collector Daulat Desai who appealed to them to conduct the convention virtually which is in the interest of the society and farmers.

“The convention will take place through Facebook and the arrangement for the same have been made at the Kalpvruksha Garden”, he further added.

Karnataka sugarcane farmers to protest for hike in sugarcane price - 31.10.2020

Mysuru, Karnataka: The State Sugarcane Growers’ Association will launch a protest on November 2 to press for their demand to increase the sugarcane purchase price.

Kuruburu Shanthakumar, president of the organization said, “So far nothing has happened on our demand regarding the hike in SAP prices. We want the government to hike SAP prices so that sugarcane farmer can survive by taking cane cultivation. We also want the government to compensate sugarcane farmers that were severely hit by recent floods,” he said.

“We have decided to launch an agitation on November 2 at all the district headquarters in the state for our demand,” he said.

“Domestic sugar market to remain under pressure in spite of Diwali” : Sugar trader, Anupam Kasera - 31.10.2020

The Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD) announced 22.5 LMT Monthly Sugar Quota for Sale in November 2020 basis of month end stock for September, 2020 further adding the sugar lifted from sugar mills for export and subtracting actual release for October 2020. The allocated monthly sugar quota for November 2020 is 2 LMT higher than the quota allocated for sale in November 2019 which stood at 20.5 LMT.

In talks with ChiniMandi News, sugar trader Anupam Kasera, Delhi Sugar Trading Co. shared his views on the announcement of quota for November 2020. He said, “The release of 22.5 LMT in the domestic market is sufficient to meet the domestic demand considering the major Hindu festival Diwali. However, the market will remain under pressure, prices will also be range bound with new sugar production coming into the market. The market is likely to get tightened post 10th November 2020.”

Ethanol play is economically sensible, politically prudent and environmentally friendly: Atul Chaturvedi, Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd. - 31.10.2020

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Thursday announced a hike in the ethanol prices for supply to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) w.e.f 21 (1st December 2020 to 30th November 2021). The prices of ethanol from sugar was hiked from ₹59.48 per litre to ₹62.25 per litre, the price of ethanol derived from ‘C’ heavy and ‘B’ heavy molasses was hiked by ₹1.94 and ₹3.34 per litre to Rs45.69 and Rs57.61 per litre, respectively.

In conversation with ChiniMandi News Mr. Atul Chaturvedi – Executive Chairman, Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd. shared his views on the recent development. He said, “It is something the industry was expecting and it will definitely enable mills to divert more sugar directly to ethanol. In any case, ethanol play is economically sensible, politically prudent and environmentally friendly. Overall it is a step in the right direction and the policy announced also seems to be absolutely spot on. Undoubtedly, India is a big importer of petroleum products, increasing blending of ethanol will ease the import bills.”

Commenting on how Shree Renuka Sugars Ltd. is taking measures to step up for the Ethanol Blending Programme, Chaturvedi said, “Our organisation has worked into expansion last year, that expansion will come into full play this season, we are certainly looking towards expanding our ethanol capacity further in line with the Government requirement and directive. Not forgetting to mention, We would assuredly want to project Shree Renuka Sugars going forward as an energy company.”

Centre’s decision to produce ethanol from sugarcane and rice to boost Bihar’s economy: Minister - 30.10.2020

Patna, Bihar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the centre’s decision to increase ethanol production from sugarcane and rice would ultimately benefit the farmers and boost Bihar’s economy.

Speaking to media persons here, he said, “The ethanol produced from the sugarcane will be used for blending with petrol to reduce fuel import. It has been going on in several countries of the world and India for quite some time. The permission to use rice for the production of ethanol is a new decision of the Centre.”

The Union Cabinet on Thursday announced the hike in ethanol prices for supply to oil marketing companies. The government had raised the price of ethanol extracted from sugarcane juice to Rs 62.65 per litre from the current Rs 59.48 per litre. The rate for ethanol from C-heavy molasses has been increased from Rs 43.75 per litre to Rs 45.69 per litre and that of ethanol from B-heavy molasses to Rs 57.61 per litre from Rs 54.27 per litre.

Sugarcane minister to inaugurate Ramala sugar mill’s crushing season - 30.10.2020

Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh: Sugarcane minister Suresh Rana will inaugurate the sugarcane crushing season of the Ramala sugar mill which is scheduled on November 2.

Mill’s general manager, Dr RB Ram, said that the inauguration ceremony will begin at 9 am, which will be chaired by MP Dr Satyapal Singh. The mill has completed all preparations to start the cane crushing season.

BKU threatens to launch an agitation if mills delay cane payment - 30.10.2020

Garhmukteshwar, Uttar Pradesh: Sugarcane farmers under the banner of BKU have threatened to launch an agitation if the sugar mills fail to clear their dues before starting the new crushing season. The delegation of BKU met the SDM and handed over him the memorandum of their demands.

According to the news report published in Jaagran.com, the workers of BKU (Bhanu) gathered at the Tehsil headquarters on Thursday to press for their demands. BKU said that farmers are reeling under financial stress. The administration had assured to clear cane dues but yet it has not been paid.

SDM Vijay Vardhan Toman said that he will look into the matter and ensure that the sugar mills clear their dues on a priority basis.

Cane farmers of 80 villages of purchasing center Laliya, Mathura and Shivpura of district Balrampur get right to participate in election of Cooperative Cane Society - 30.10.2020

Lucknow: Commissioner, Cane and Sugar/Registrar, Cooperative Cane and Sugar Mill Societies, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy told that 80 villages of the purchasing center- Lalia, Mathura and Shivpura of Balrampur district have been formally incorporated (registered) in Cooperative Cane Society, Balrampur.

After the formal registration of these villages in Balrampur Society, the registered Cane farmers of these villages will get the right to participate in the election of cooperative Cane Society. The farmers of these villages will also be able to elect their representatives and directors in General Body and Board of Directors in cane Society, Balrampur.

Shri Bhoosreddy said that the Cane farmers of this area have been supplying their cane through the Cane Society, Balrampur since 1994, but because of not having legal registration of these villages, they were not being represented in the Society elections. For registering these villages in Cane Development Society Balrampur, a resolution was unanimously passed by General Body of Cane development society. Keeping in view the problem of farmers and resolution of General Body, Commissioner Cane & Sugar/Registrar, Cooperative Cane development societies U.P., Shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy passed the orders for formal registration of these villages in Cane Development Society Balrampur.
Shri Bhoosreddy said that now the farmers of these villages will be able to participate in election of society, Balrampur and they can also take agricultural inputs from the society. The farmers of these villages will also be benefited in various Cane Development activities run by Cane Development Department through various schemes.

Dhampur sugar mill starts cane crushing operations - 30.10.2020

Dhampur, Uttar Pradesh: Dhampur sugar mill commenced sugarcane crushing season on Thursday after performing puja at its premises.

The season started in the presence of sugarcane farmers, mill officials, workers and others.

The officials of the sugar mill have appealed cane growers to send sugarcane to the mill and assured them that they would complete the cane crushing in time.

Goa government sets up committee to aid cane farmers - 30.10.2020

Panaji: Goa government has formed a Sugarcane Farmers Facilitation Committee that will assist sugarcane farmers and recommend the measures to be taken to resolve the problems related to Sugar factory based in Dharbandora.

According to the news report published in The Times of India, the Farmers Facilitation Committee will be a 23-member committee headed by Narendra Sawaikar, former South Goa member of parliament

The committee includes Sanguem MLA Prasad Gaonkar who is at the forefront fighting for farmers’ rights, former Sanguem MLA Subhash Phal Desai, president of the Sugarcane Farmers Association Rajendra Dessai, former minister Ramesh Tawadkar and others.

Govt. Fixes 22.5 LMT Monthly Sugar Quota for Sale in November 2020 - 30.10.2020

ChiniMandi, New Delhi: In a notification issued on 29th day of October 2020, the food ministry has allocated 22.5 LMT monthly sugar quota for November 2020 to each of 548 mills in India.

The allocated monthly sugar quota for November 2020 is 2 LMT higher than the quota allocated for sale in November 2019 which stood at 20.5 LMT. In the previous month the Govt. allocated 23 LMT monthly sugar quota for October 2020 to each 547 sugar mills in India.
The group sugar producing companies having more than one sugar producing unit may maintain the stock as defined in Para (1) of this Order, either unit wise or for the group as a whole. The sugar-mill wise November 2020 been worked out on the basis of the following parameters:
The November 2020 stock holding limit has been worked out on the basis of giving 100% weightage to the month end notional stock for the month of October 2020.

The notional month-end stock for the month of October 2020, has been worked out on the basis of month end stock for September, 2020 (as reported on P-II) further adding the sugar lifted from sugar mills for export as per 4.3 column P-II and subtracting actual release for October 2020.

The incentive in lieu of sugar sacrificed for producing ethanol from B-heavy molasses/sugarcane juice/sugar syrup/sugar has been given corresponding to the ethanol production for August 2020 for stock holding limit order for the month of November 2020.

Hike in ethanol prices will help in reducing sugar surplus: ISMA - 29.10.2020

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Thursday announced the hike in ethanol prices for supply to oil marketing companies. Sugar industry apex body, Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), has welcomed the government’s decision.

The government has raised the price of ethanol extracted from sugarcane juice to Rs 62.65 per litre from the current Rs 59.48 per litre. The rate for ethanol from C-heavy molasses has been increased from Rs 43.75 per litre to Rs 45.69 per litre and that of ethanol from B-heavy molasses to Rs 57.61 per litre from Rs 54.27 per litre.

Applauding the government’s decision to hike ethanol prices, ISMA DG Abinash Verma said, “The sugar industry welcomes another excellent decision of the Government to encourage ethanol production and supplies. The attractive increase in ethanol procurement prices by upto Rs.3.34 per litre of ethanol to be supplied from 1st Dec 2020 is the best ever. This decision puts to rest all doubts about ethanol prices getting reviewed due to the fall in crude oil prices and confirms the Government’s commitment to continue linking ethanol prices to sugar and sugarcane prices only, and not to crude oil price in any way. This should attract more supplies of ethanol in 2020-21 and will not only help in reducing some surplus sugar production of around 20 lakh tons, but will also ensure that we are able to achieve Government’s target of 10% ethanol blending by 2022. This will increase the confidence of sugar industry and distilleries in the Government and will attract them to invest in more ethanol production capacity, which is so important for all of us to reduce surplus sugar, increase ethanol production & supplies and help make timely payment of cane price to farmers”.

The Indian government aims to boost ethanol production, therefore it is taking various steps for the same. To strengthen the financial condition of sugar mills and cut oil imports, the government asked mills to focus on ethanol production.

Farmers ask millers to clear pending arrears before starting cane crushing season - 29.10.2020

Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh: Sugarcane farmers under the banner of BKU have asked sugar mills to clear the pending cane arrears before starting cane crushing operations. They have threatened that they won’t allow the sugar mills to operate if the mills fail to clear their dues.

Farmers claim that the administration had assured them on October 16 that the sugar mills will clear pending dues, but yet cane dues have not been cleared yet.

According to the news report published in Amarujala.com, BKU leader Mahendra Singh Randhawa said, “Sugar mills failed to clear cane dues despite assurance. If farmers issue would not be resolved then we will stage a demonstration.”

Will revive closed sugar mills if I come to power: Pappu Yadav - 29.10.2020

Darbhanga, Bihar: Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, National president of Jan Adhikar Party appealed to the people to vote for his party and assured them that if he comes to power then the party will revive the closed sugar mills.

Campaigning for an independent candidate Dr. Ijhar Ahmad. he said that his party will work for the betterment of sugarcane farmers and others after coming to power.

Meerut: All sugar mills will be operational by November 6 - 29.10.2020

Meerut, Uttar Pradesh: All the sugar mills of the district will be operational by November 6. According to the news report published Amarujala.com, District cane officer Dr Dushyant Kumar said the Kinauni sugar mill will start operations from November 1, Daraula, Nanglamal and Mawana sugar mills from November 2, Sakauti sugar mill from November 5 and Mohiuddinpur mill will start operations from November 6.

Sugarcane department has also issued instructions to the sugarcane farmers to not to burn stubble to avoid environmental pollution. Also it has asked the mills to ensure that they are well prepared to tackle any unavoidable situation during the crushing season.

Government hikes ethanol prices; sugar mills and cane growers to get benefit - 29.10.2020

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Thursday announced the hike in ethanol prices for supply to oil marketing companies. The decision was taken to give relief to sugar mills and sugarcane farmers.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar during a cabinet briefing said the price of ethanol for doping in petrol has been raised by 5-8 per cent. New price fixed for ethanol produced from sugar is Rs. 62.65/ltr, ethanol manufactured from ‘B’ heavy molasses is Rs. 57.61/ltr, and ethanol manufactured from ‘C’ heavy molasses is Rs. 45.69/ltr.

The Indian government aims to boost ethanol production, therefore it is taking various steps for the same. To strengthen the financial condition of sugar mills and cut oil imports, the government asked mills to focus on ethanol production.

Sugarcane crushing season begins in Uttar Pradesh - 29.10.2020

Lucknow: Commissioner, Cane and Sugar Shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy informed that the Cane crushing season 2020-21 has been started in the state. The crushing work has been started by 03 sugar mills of the State i.e MoranaMuzaffarnagar in cooperative sector and by Majhavali-Sambhal and Belvada-Moradabad of private sector. In the western Uttar Pradesh the sugar mills of Saharanpur region namely Thana Bhawan, Bhaisana, Khatauli, Oon, Gagalhedi, Deoband, Mansurpur, Titavi and in the Meerut region Mavana, Kinauni, Nanglamal, Simbhavali, Brijnathpur, Baghpat, Ramala, Sidhgarh and Agouta sugar mills have issued indent to purchase sugarcane. The Sugar Mills of Moradabad region namely Syohara, Dhampur, Bundki, Chandpur, Bilai, Bahadurpur, Gajraula, Raninagal, Bellary, Asmauli, Rajpura, Milaknarayanpur, Karimganj, Bijnor, Najibabad, Barkatpur, Dhanaura, Chandanpur and Agwanpur have started the purchase of Sugarcane by issuing indent or they will do so in coming two to three days.

Giving information about the sugar mills located in the Central Uttar Pradesh, the Cane Commissioner said that sugarcane is also being purchased by the Pilibhit, Bahedi and Mirganj sugar mills of Bareilly region and Indents have also been issued for cane purchase by the sugar mills of Rupapur, Loni, Hariyanwa, Ajwapur, Ramgarh, Jawaharpur in Lucknow region. In this way, these 45 sugar mills of western and central U.P., will start the crushing operations in October month and or by 2 to 3 November. SMS purchies have also been sent to farmers of these mills through E.R.P.

Shri Bhoosreddy said that it is the priority of the department to start Sugar Mills early to ensure timely disposal of sugarcane and sowing of Rabi crops. In this regard, instructions have also been issued to sugar mills for early start of crushing operations. As a result of this most of the Sugar Mills of the Western & Central Uttar Pradesh have started crushing operations from the last week of October and it is expected that the remaining sugar mills of the Western Uttar Pradesh and Central Uttar Pradesh will also start crushing operations in the next one week.

The Cane Commissioner also informed that with the early commencement of crushing operations, the farmers will be able to supply their cane to the sugar mills and thus they will be able to timely sow the Rabi crop in the vacant field, which will give them extra income as well as their sugarcane can be supplied to the sugar mills on time. Due to early supply of sugarcane, farmers will get cane price payment earlier, so that they will get enough money to spend in Rabi sowing, and will be able to buy good seeds, adequate fertilizer and inputs required for Rabi sowing. Due to the timely start of crushing operations by Sugar Mills, there is a wave of happiness among the sugarcane farmers of the State.

Sugarcane workers get 14 per cent hike in payment - 28.10.2020

Pune: The sugarcane workers have called off their strike following the 14 per cent rise in the payment for the upcoming seasons. The decision was taken after mediation by Nationalist Congress Party chief and Vasantdada Sugar Institute Chairman Sharad Pawar.

The cane workers will get 14 per cent hike in their payment and the contractor will get 19 per cent commission instead of 18.5 per cent.

As per the new agreement, the workers carrying sugarcane on their head from fields to tractors 100 meter away will get Rs 273.14 per tonne as against existing Rs 239 per tonne. The rate for loading sugarcane in bullock cart from the field will be Rs 304.78 per tonne instead of Rs 267.34 per tonne. And for loading sugarcane in a makeshift tractor, workers will be paid Rs 237.46 per tonne against Rs 208. 30 per tonne. The agreement will be in effect for crushing seasons 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Bihar assembly election 2020: Demand to start closed sugar mills - 28.10.2020

Motihari, Bihar: Opposition leader Tejaswi Yadav attacked government alleging that they failed to revive the closed sugar mills as promised in the previous election. Yadav organized a series of rallies in the state as a part of a political campaign.

Addressing a gathering at a rally in Motihari, he said, “During last Lok Sabha elections, promised was made to revive the Motihari sugar mill, but it has not been fulfilled yet.”

Many sugar mills in the state are closed for many years, and now there is a demand to start them.

DM asks sugar mills to clear cane dues before Diwali - 28.10.2020

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh: District administration has taken up the issue of pending cane arrears and warned the sugar mills to clear pending cane arrears before Diwali or else be ready to face action.

According to the news report published in Livehindustan.com, he convened the meeting of the sugar mills officials on Tuesday and took a review of the pending cane arrears. He said as per law cane bills need to clear with 14 days of sugarcane procurement. The mills should clear the pending dues on a priority basis.

Sugar mills in the region are all set to commence the crushing season and for the same preparations are in full speed.

Muzaffarnagar: Demand to clear pending cane arrears - 28.10.2020

Muzaffarnagar: RLD leaders have threatened to launch an agitation if the sugar mills fail to clear the pending cane arrears on a priority basis. RLD held panchayat over sugarcane farmers issues in Alipur Kala village.

Addressing the panchayat, Sarthak Latiyan, secretary of the student wing of RLD, said, “Sugar mills have commenced the crushing operations but pending cane dues of the previous season have not been cleared yet.
The festival season is around the corner but farmers have not enough fund to meet their daily needs.”

RLD has warned sugar mills that if dues are not paid then they will launch an agitation.

ISMA’s initiative “meetha.org” to eliminate negative propaganda on sugar - 28.10.2020

Sugar to India is as ancient as Yoga and Ayurveda itself. It firmly occupies the position of being one of the “panchamrits” or nectars of life.

The simple, irrefutable fact is that “Sugar has always been and continues to be an important part of our diet”. Sweetness is one of the five “basic tastes” detected by our sensory receptors in the oral cavity. Sugar is the most preferred source of the body’s fuel for brain power, muscle energy and every natural process that goes into proper functioning of our body cells.

With only 15 calories per teaspoon, sugar is similar to any other 15 calories, which may come from any other food item. Our body doesn’t differentiate the source from where the calories come from; it just sees and recognizes them as calories. All that gets converted to positive energy, so much essential for the proper functioning of a healthy body and mind. But, if the calories are not burnt adequately or too many calories are consumed, only then that will add to body weight. Like all carbohydrates, the body converts sugar into fuel quickly, unlike say fats, which on the other hand, are stored in fat cells to be used later.

These days there is a lot of negative propaganda against sugar. Much baseless and unsubstantiated information is floating around about sugar. There is absolutely no scientific evidence or any research paper which concludes or establishes that consumption of sugar in itself leads to any particular disease, even like diabetes or dental caries. They do say that problems in the body come about only if a person is obese, which in turn can be caused by the consumption of too many calories and lack of physical activities/exercise. It is reiterated that the calories can come from any food and not only from sugar alone.

ISMA feels that before the negative, unsubstantiated propaganda wrongly influences the consumers and misleads them, there is a need to counter such unfounded negativity and convey the right information to the consumers about sugar, and its impact on our body and health.

Accordingly, ISMA decided to start a campaign, including on social media, to educate and spread the awareness amongst the consumers on healthy eating and healthy lifestyle, as also debunk the myths surrounding sugar.

India is still a developing nation where a large population especially the poor consume sugar as an inexpensive and immediate source of energy. They can’t and should not be deprived of their sugar, because of some unfounded and misleading campaigns against it.

The per capita sugar consumption in India of only 19 kilos per person per year, is much lower than the world average of 23 kilos. The developed countries like USA, UK, Germany, France, Singapore, Russia, New Zealand, Australia etc. as also several developing countries like Brazil, Thailand etc. have a per capita consumption of 35 to 50 kilos per person per year. The per capita consumption growth of sugar in India between 2000 and 2016 has been amongst the lowest in the world at around 1.25% per year, based on a simple average. This is despite a very impressive increase in income per person in the same period in India, which should have increased the sugar consumption at a much greater rate.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, the apex body for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research, and one of the oldest medical research bodies in the world, funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in January 2020, had undertaken a first of its kind survey on sugar intake in India, and concluded as follows:

· The intake of added sugar in metro cities in India was 19.5 grams per day., much lower to the level recommended by ICMR of 30 gram per day.(WHO’s recommendation is also much higher at 25 grams per day for a normal adult.)

· The ICMR report suggests that women take around 20.2 grams of added sugar in a day while men’s intake of added sugar is 18.7 grams per day.

As a part of this campaign, ISMA will be holding workshops & webinars, where experts like nutritionists, dieticians, endocrinologists, public health specialists, medical practitioners, sugar producers and consumers etc., will share their expertise, ideas and knowledge on the subject. The purpose of running such a campaign is to give the right information to the consumers in a single platform, in a world where there is lot of confusion, with many opinions and views of self-appointed experts.

As an important step in this direction, ISMA has prepared a Portal, which would be a single point window for right information and knowledge to be shared amongst consumers and to educate the general public about various facets of sugar.“Meetha” aims to be India’s foremost and leading website providing a plethora of educative information about the consumption, utilization and most importantly the value of natural sugar.

Mr. Sudhanshu Pandey, Secretary, Department of Food & PD, Government of India, launched ISMA’s “Knowledge Portal in a VC meeting on 28th Oct 2020, “called “meetha.org”. He congratulated ISMA for the important initiative taken to bust myths on sugar and spread the right awareness around sugar. He said that the problem with misinformation is that it travels faster. But people need to make an informed decision about food and nutrition. He said he comes from rural India, where there is cane juice, which is good for health. There are many such local food which needs promotion in alignment with the vision of the Hon’ble PM “vocal about local” He said in one of his trips to Kenya, at a hotel there was a huge queue where sugarcane juice was dispensed. This should also be replicated in India. And look at its commercialization, in which associations can play an important role. There is a need to advocate the message of positive acceptance of sugar in minds of consumers in regional languages. The portal should be developed in local regional languages so that narratives could be changed, and is more relevant in States like Maharashtra, UP etc. Also internationally there is a need to propagate this as well. It needs to be developed in some international language. He said that Meetha.org is a great initiative, which will help spread and educate the right knowledge and information to people”

Mr Vivek Pittie, President, ISMA earlier welcomed all attendees and briefed them about the purpose and objective behind the Portal launched today.

Joint Secretary (Sugar), Government of India too spoke about the importance to give correct information to people about sugar and bust all the myths on this. He said that the world per capita sugar consumption is about 22.5 kg, but India being the top sugar consumer, consumes about 19 kg of sugar only and this has remained static for the last two decades or so. There is negative perception around sugar which needs to be eliminated, since sugar has been part of our lives since times immemorial. He said that Meetha.org is excellent, and will spread correct and scientific based information to people. It will have doctors, nutritionists and other experts in their fields to provide their inputs on sugar subject, which will be helpful for us. He said in his opinion, sugar is not harmful to people, excess of anything is harmful.

The Portal launch was followed by a webinar to discuss about the myths surrounding sugar and to share ideas & views on responsible eating and healthy living. Experts in the field viz nutritionist, doctor and food chef spoke on the subject of sugar vis a vis artificial sugar with number of interested people attending the webinar from across the country.

Pilbihit sugar mills yet to clear cane dues - 28.10.2020

Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh: Sugar mills from Pilibhit are all set to commence cane crushing season, but pending cane dues have not been paid yet.

According to the news report published in The Times of India, three out of four sugar mills from Pilibhit owe arrears around Rs 136 crore to the cane farmers.

V M Singh, national convener of the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee launches attack on the government over pending cane dues. He said, “Mills need to ensure payments within 14 days from the date of sugarcane’s procurement.”

District cane officer, Jitendra Kumar Mishra said, “Efforts are being taken to ensure that the sugar mills clear the pending cane arrears on priority basis.”

Indian sugar industry apex body ISMA launches educative site “meetha.org” for industry - 28.10.2020

Indian sugar millers association (ISMA) launched “meetha.org” a portal that endeavors to act as a one-stop source of information for all consumers, medical practitioners, nutritionists, chefs, and other stakeholders in the market concerning the nature of use, know-how, nutrition facts etc. about “SUGAR”. “

“Meetha.org” aims to be India’s foremost and leading website providing a plethora of educational information about the consumption, utilization and most importantly the value of natural sugar. The portal was launched virtually on 28th October 2020 at 12:30 pm by Shri Sudhanshu Pandey – Secretary, Food & Public Distribution and in presence of Shri. Subodh Kumar Singh – Joint Secretary, Sugar & Admin and various experts from the sugar industry.

Government aims to boost ethanol production - 27.10.2020

The Indian government aims to boost ethanol production, therefore it is taking various steps for the same. According to the media reports, the government is considering extending subsidised loans to grain-based distilleries also under the ongoing scheme.

To strengthen the financial condition of sugar mills and cut oil imports, the government had asked mills to focus on ethanol production. Earlier, Centre had urged the mills for diversion of excess sugarcane and sugar for the production of Ethanol as a long term solution for addressing the problem of excess sugar stock.

The PTI news report says that the government is of the view that ethanol production cannot be dependent on one feedstock, that is sugarcane, for achieving the target of 20 per cent ethanol blending with petrol by 2030. Therefore it is focusing on other agri-feedstock such as rice, maize, sorghum and barley for ethanol production.

Baghpat and Ramala sugar mills may start season 2020-21 from November 2 - 27.10.2020

Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh: The sugarcane farmers are worried as the sugar mills are yet to start cane crushing operations, therefore they have urged the administration to ensure mills start crushing season early.

According to the news report published in Amarujala.com, DCO Dr. Anil Kumar Bharti said that there is a plan to run Cooperative Sugar Mill of Baghpat and Ramala on 2nd November and Malkapur Sugar Mill on 31st October. Preparations for the new crushing season in all three sugar mills are almost complete.

Awadh sugar mill to start operations from October 29 - 27.10.2020

Seohara, Uttar Pradesh: Awadh sugar mill held Puja for the upcoming crushing season.

Sukhbir Singh, executive president of the sugar mill, said that crushing season will be started from October 29. He informed that his sugar mill has also been at the forefront in terms of payment.

Many sugar mills in the region are also all set to commence the season. But few mills have yet not cleared the cane dues. Therefore cane growers have demanded to clear the arrears before starting the season.

Morna sugar mill starts crushing operations - 27.10.2020

Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh: The sugarcane crushing season has kick-started in the district with some mills starting the crushing operations and some are busy in its preparations. On Monday, Morna sugar mill started its cane crushing operations for the 2020-21 season. Other sugar mills from the district have also initiated the process to start operations with many of them declared the dates to commence crushing.

According to the media report, by the end of this month, five sugar mills from the district will start cane crushing.

Many mills have yet not cleared the cane dues. Therefore cane growers have demanded to clear the arrears before starting the season.

India to send sugar and food items to Djibouti, Eritrea, Sudan and South Sudan - 27.10.2020

New Delhi: India will be providing 270 MT of food items, including sugar and others, as an aid to South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea and Sudan that are affected due to coronavirus pandemic and natural calamities.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the food aid, comprising 155 MT of wheat flour, 65 MT of rice and 50 MT of sugar, is being transported on the Indian Naval Ship (INS) AIRAVAT, which left Mumbai on October 24.

The MEA added that this will strengthen the bond between India and the fellow African countries.

Farmers threaten to launch an agitation if mill fails to clear cane arrears - 27.10.2020

Shamli, Uttar Pradesh: Sugarcane farmers have threatened to launch an agitation if the sugar mill fails to clear pending cane arrears before October 30. According to the news report published in Livehindustan.com, they have presented the memorandum of their demands addressing the chief minister to District sugarcane officer.

Farmers claim that the festival season is approaching and they are finding it difficult to meet their daily needs. They have given a deadline of October 30 to the sugar mills to clear their dues.

Indian sugar industry apex body ISMA set to launch educative site for industry - 27.10.2020

Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) is set to launch “meetha.org” a portal that endeavours to act as a one-stop source of information for all consumers, medical practitioners, nutritionists, chefs, and other stakeholders in the market concerning the nature of use, know-how, nutrition facts etc about “SUGAR”.

“Meetha” aims to be India’s foremost and leading website providing a plethora of educative information about the consumption, utilization and most importantly the value of natural sugar. The portal is set to be launched virtually on 28th October 2020 at 11:30 am in presence of Shri Sudhanshu Pandey – Secretary, Food & Public Distribution and Shri. Subodh Kumar Singh – Joint Secretary, Sugar & Admin.

Meeting Details :
Date : 28th October 2020
Time : 11:30 am
Place: Zoom
Link to meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8857966098?pwd=SVZuV2ZZZXVuYlZldzV5NDdhQTFidz09
Meeting ID: 885 796 6098
Passcode: 281020

Maharashtra government’s relief package for rain-affected farmers is not enough: Pankaja Munde - 26.10.2020

Aurangabad: The flood relief package of Rs 10,000 crore declared by the Maharashtra government is not enough for the farmers, said BJP leader Pankaja Munde.

According to the media report, addressing the online rally on the occasion of Dussehra from Bhagwan Bhaktigad in Beed district, she said that the crops including sugarcane, cotton, rice and soybean have been damaged and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray should come up with the bigger package to help farmers.

Commenting on a deadlock between sugar mills and workers over various issues, she said NCP chief Sharad Pawar must find a way out.

Tikaula sugar mill to start cane crushing from October 29 - 26.10.2020

Meerut, Uttar Pradesh: Tikaula sugar mill from Mawana will start operations from October 29 for season 2019-20. The mill is in the last phase of preparations.

Thousands of sugarcane farmers from 41 villages are associated with the sugar mill.

The mill has set up the centres to weigh cane and collect the sugarcane from farmers. All the cane collection centres would be set up by October 27 and will be ready for operations.

The officials of the sugar mill stated that the mill is ready for cane crushing and will start operations from October 27.

Cane crushing season in Maharashtra affected due to waterlogged fields - 26.10.2020

Pune: Sugarcane crushing season in Maharashtra is likely to delay due to the water logging in the sugarcane fields following the heavy rainfall. It has become difficult to harvest the sugarcane crop from the fields.

The mills in the state were allowed to start cane crushing from October 15 anticipating the bumper cane production. According to the news report published in Indianexpress.com, not a single sugar mill has started the season so far in the state.

The non-arrival of the cane harvester from Beed and other parts of Maharashtra for cane crushing is also one of the reasons for a delay in cane crushing.

Goa: Sugarcane farmers form committee under the banner of Sanjivani Bachao Samiti - 26.10.2020

Sanguem: Unable to get the clear indication from the Goa government over the fate of the Sanjivani sugar mill, the sugarcane farmers from Sanguem area formed a committee under the banner of Sanjivani Bachao Samiti.

Farmers announced the formation of a committee at a press conference organized by the Samiti. It was addressed by its president Bostiao Simoes, treasurer Nemu Madkaikar and secretary Prashant Gawas Dessai in the presence of members Chanda Velip and Dayanand Phaldessai.

According to the media report, Simoes said, “We will continue to hold meetings with sugarcane farmers across the state to make them aware of the ground realities regarding sugar mill.

Cane parchies will be sent only as SMS parchi on the registered mobile number of sugarcane farmers - 24.10.2020

Lucknow: Commissioner, cane and sugar, Shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy said that in the current crushing season 2020-21,the cane parchies will be sent to the farmers only as SMS parchi on their registered mobile numbers. Daily acknowledgement sheet of parchies, to be weighed ,will also be pasted at the cane purchasing centres ,through which the farmers can also know about their parchies. It is therefore necessary, that the correct mobile number of sugarcane farmers is registered on ERP. He has appealed to the sugarcane farmers that they should check their mobile number on ERP and and if it is wrong then they can themselves update their correct mobile number through E-ganna App aur can get it corrected through Cane Development Society.

Giving detailed information in this regard, he said that in the event of S.M.S. inbox being filled,mobile switch off and D.N.D. activating, the message of SMS parchi is automatically cancelled after 24 hours,due to which farmers will not be able to get their SMS parchi.So all the farmers are advised to keep their mobile inbox empty and properly charge and keep their mobile phone on for all the time, so that the S.M.S. parchi sent by the server is received in real time on their mobile phone. The present system of parchi issuance is completely transparent. Sending the S.M.S. parchi to the mobile number of the farmers will ensure the timely receipt of same. This will enable farmers to harvest the cane at proper time and supply fresh cane to the mill, which will avoid weight loss due to driage after harvesting. This will also prevent spread of covid-19.

Shri Bhoosreddy said that all the Regional officers and District Cane Officers have also been directed to ensure its wide publicity and to launch a campaign for updating the correct mobile number of all the sugar cane farmers, so that there is no inconvenience to the sugarcane farmers in supply of their sugarcane.

Shamli sugar mill to start cane crushing from November 2 - 24.10.2020

Shamli, Uttar Pradesh: The sugar mills from the region have announced the dates for starting cane crushing. Shamali sugar mill will start cane crushing from November 2. The other two mills Thanabhawan and Unn will start cane crushing from November 1. The procurement of sugarcane at the purchasing centres of the three mills will begin from October 30.

According to the ISMA, sugar production in Uttar Pradesh in 2020-21 SS is estimated to be around 124.57 lakh tonnes, as against 126.37 lakh tonnes produced in the 2019-20 Sugar Season.

Pending cane arrears: BKU threatens to launch an agitation - 24.10.2020

Shamli, Uttar Pradesh: Sugarcane farmers under the banner of Bhartiya Kisan Union have threatened to launch an agitation if the sugar mills fail to clear their dues before starting of the crushing season. The decision was taken in a meeting organised by BKU recently.

According to the news report published in Livehindustan.com, Kapil Khatiyan, district unit head of the organisation said, “The festival season is approaching and farmers are not having enough funds to celebrate the festival. The sugar mills are saying that they don’t have money to clear the pending arrears.”

“If sugar mills fail to clear the pending dues then on October 29 a protest will be organised to press our demands,” he further added.

Maharashtra: Rs 10,000 crore relief package for farmers affected by heavy rain, floods - 24.10.2020

Mumbai, Maharashtra: Maharashtra government on Friday announced Rs 10,000 crore relief package for farmers whose crops had been impacted by unseasonal rains. It would be disbursed to farmers before Diwali.

After holding a review meeting on floods and heavy rains, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray made the announcement during a press conference.

Earlier he had visited the flood-hit areas and assured the farmers that the government will announce a relief package soon. A similar demand was made by former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis after he visited the flood-hit areas.

The heavy monsoon rains has badly affected parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada region of Maharashtra. It has affected the sugarcane and other crops grown in the region.

US-based company eyes to invest in India to produce low-cost ethanol - 24.10.2020

New Delhi: Sugar mills in India are focusing on Ethanol production. Also, foreign companies are looking to invest in the ethanol industry in the country.

According to the news report published in The Economic Times, True North Ventures Partners (TNVP), a US-based company is interested to invest in India for low-cost ethanol production. The company is searching for a local partner in the country to get benefit from the government’s plan to boost ethanol production.

The Indian government has set a target of blending 10 per cent ethanol in petrol by 2022 and 20 per cent by 2030 to reduce oil imports.

In an interview given to The Economic Times, Michael Ahearn, founder of TNVP said, ““[For] these biotech plants that we’re looking at are hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of investment. We’d be investing, but alongside Indian partners … There will be an investment to build the factory, the laboratories and production facilities as well.”

To strengthen the financial condition of sugar mills and cut oil imports, the Central government is also emphasising on ethanol production. Earlier, Centre had urged the mills for diversion of excess sugarcane and sugar for the production of fuel Ethanol as a long term solution for addressing the problem of excess sugar stock.

DFPD convenes meeting to assess production of sugarcane and sugar in season 2020-21 - 24.10.2020

New Delhi: Sugarcane crushing season has commenced in the country. To assess the production of sugarcane and sugar in the current sugar season 2020-21, Secretary, DFPD convened a meeting of all the Secretaries and Cane Commissioners of all sugar-producing states.

In a meeting, it is estimated that 2910 lakh tonnes of cane will be crushed and 305 lakh tonne of sugar will be produced and sugar equivalent to 20 lakh tonne will be diverted towards ethanol. Approx Rs 93000 crore FRP will be paid to farmers.

As new season started but yet many sugar mills across the country have yet not cleared the cane dues. In the meeting, pending cane arrears and strategy for the early payment of the arrears were also discussed. Expected ethanol supply in 2020-21 will be 300 crore litre from the sugar sector.

Rajasthan: Demand to commence closed sugar mill - 23.10.2020

Keshoraipatan, Rajasthan: Sugarcane farmers under the banner of farmer organisation have launched a drive to write post-cards to the chief minister demanding to start closed sugar mill.

According to the news report published in Patrika.com, Program convenor Naman Sharma said, Kisan Yuva Samanvay Samiti has set up a stall near the water tank and since morning the activists started a postcard writing campaign. As many as 500 postcards were written under the campaign.

The movement will be spread to all the villages that are associated with the sugar mill and they would be urged to write a postcard to the Rajasthan government to start the closed sugar mill.

Sampurna Nagar sugar mill ready to start cane crushing - 23.10.2020

Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh: Kisan Cooperative sugar mill from Sampurna Nagar has geared up to commence upcoming cane crushing season. The concerned authorities and officials performed “Pooja” and other necessary rituals to start the crushing season at the mill.

According to the news report published in Livehindustan.com, the sugarcane farmers have demanded the mill administration to clear their pending dues before Diwali festival. The mill administration has assured the farmers that arrears would be cleared soon.

Sugar mill’s new owner assures to clear pending cane dues - 23.10.2020

Walterganj (Uttar Pradesh): Kanhaia Lal Sharma, new owner of the Govind Nagar sugar mill met the sugarcane farmers and the employees of the mill and interacted with them.

According to the news report published in Amarujala.com, he urged the employees to cooperate and work with the same passion as they were working earlier. He also inspected the various department and reviewed preparation for the upcoming cane crushing season. While interacting with farmers, the demand of pending arrears was raised by farmers. He assured the farmers that soon the pending cane dues would be cleared.

Sugar mills to start crushing operations in first week of November - 23.10.2020

Meerut, Uttar Pradesh: Mawana and Nangalamal sugar mills from the district will commence sugarcane crushing from the first week of November.

According to the news report published in Amarujala.com, farmer organisation had submitted the memorandum to the SDM to start cane crushing early this season. Following which, the mill management has decided to start crushing season from the first week of November.

Maharashtra farmers affected by flood damage may get compensation soon - 23.10.2020

Mumbai: Maharashtra government has hinted of providing compensation to the farmers for the losses due to recent floods. The government has completed the assessment of the crop loss occurred due to the heavy rainfall and floods in the state.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has stated that the survey of the crop damage has been almost complete and the officials are busy in ascertaining the compensation amount. He toured the Osmanabad district and visited the flood-affected villages on Wednesday.

The districts of Sangli, Solapur and Satara of Western Maharashtra and Latur, Beed and Osmanabad from central Maharashtra received heavy downpour last week.

According to the news report published in Hindustan Times, “My nature is to carry out work properly. To start something with much show and then get stuck in between is of no use. Similarly, announcing something which I cannot do, is also useless. While I am speaking to you, the work on finalising compensation is on in Mumbai. Day after its Dussehra, then Diwali will follow, in the time of festivals I will not allow my people to have tears in their eyes.”

MLA stages protest outside sugar mill for pending cane arrears - 22.10.2020

Bijua, Uttar Pradesh: Gola MLA Arvind Giri staged a protest outside Gularia sugar mill to demand pending sugarcane payments and provide jobs to the youth of the area.

According to the news report published in Hindustanlive.com, the mill is expected to clear all pending cane dues by October 31. MLA also raised the issue of rising unemployment in the region.

Uttar Pradesh sugarcane department launches clean green campaign - 22.10.2020

Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh: State sugarcane department has launched a clean green campaign across all the offices and organizations associated with the sugarcane department.

According to the news report published in The Times of India, Sanjay Bhoosreddy, principal secretary, sugarcane and sugar industry said, “All concerned premises and campuses will be painted, cleaned and planted with trees to make them attractive and hygienic, as part of the campaign.”

The areas focused in the drive include all offices of cane development societies, cooperative cane union federations, buildings of cooperative sugar mills, district cane offices, offices of deputy cane commissioners, ‘ganna kisan sansthan’ buildings and the UP council of sugarcane research across the state.

“We have fixed a uniform colour code for all the departments to ensure that there is a similarity in the appearance,”Bhoosreddy further added.

Short circuit causes fire in sugarcane field - 22.10.2020

Dhawarsi (Amroha, Uttar Pradesh): In the farmer’s 15 bigha sugarcane field, a fire was caused by a spark emanating from high-tension line wires. The field belongs to farmer Jagatveer Singh.

According to a news report published in Livehindustan.com, Singh said the high-tension line is passing over the crop. The line wires collided when they were too loose. The spark emanating from it caught fire. He could not save the sugarcane crop from burning.

Uttarakhand: MLA asks sugar mill to start operations on time - 22.10.2020

Jaspur, Uttarakhand: MLA Adesh Chauhan held a review meeting of the preparations done by the Nadehi sugar mill to commence cane crushing. He has asked the mill administration to ensure mill starts operations by the first week of November without any delay.

According to the news report published Livehindustan.com, mill official said that all the workers are doing their best to ensure that mill starts operation on time. The repair and maintenance work is in the final phase and would finish by the end of this month.

Chhattisgarh: Plants to be set up for ethanol production, says CM - 21.10.2020

Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh government aims to boost ethanol production. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that plants would be set up in the state for production of ethanol from paddy and sugarcane.

To strengthen the financial condition of sugar mills and cut oil imports, the Central government is also emphasising on ethanol production. Earlier, Centre had urged the mills for diversion of excess sugarcane and sugar for the production of fuel Ethanol as a long term solution for addressing the problem of excess sugar stock.

Karnataka: Rainfall hits sugarcane and other crops in Kalaburagi - 21.10.2020

Kalaburagi, Karnataka: Heavy rainfall has hit the sugarcane and other crops in the district. The crops have been submerged in the water due to the sudden rain.

According to the news report published in Deccan Herald, Basavaraj Ingin, Karnataka Red Gram Growers’ Association (KRGGA) president said that it is estimated that the rainfall has damaged crops of around Rs 500 crore. The state agriculture department is conducting a survey of the crops damaged in the rainfall.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa will be visiting the rain-affected region soon.

Morna sugar mill to start operations from October 27 - 21.10.2020

Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh: The district administration held consultations with officials and farmer organizations in the meeting to start crushing session in sugar mills. It was decided in the meeting that from October 27, Morna sugar mill will start cane crushing.

In a meeting held at the District Sugarcane Officer Office, BKU spokesperson Rakesh Tikait said that all sugar mills should start operations this month only and cane dues need to be cleared before commencing the season.

Unseasonal rain may delay cane crushing season in Maharashtra - 21.10.2020

Aurangabad: Heavy rainfall in the sugar belt of Maharashtra may delay the sugarcane crushing.

According to the news report published in Business Standard, speaking to a news agency, Jayprakash Dandegaonkar, chairman, Maharashtra State Cooperative Sugar Factories Federation said, “The heavy rainfall has not affected sugarcane crops much but has damaged the roads and other infrastructure connected to the mills which would cause delay in cane crushing. The sugarcane crushing will start once the situation returns to normalcy.”

According to the ISMA, sugar production is estimated to be around 108.02 lakh tonnes in 2020-21 SS, as against 61.68 lakh tonnes produced in 2019-20 SS, i.e. higher by about 46.34 lakh tonnes.

MP Satyapal Singh visits sugar mill to review work ahead of crushing season - 20.10.2020

Bagpat, Uttar Pradesh: MP Dr. Satyapal Singh visited the Ramala cooperative sugar mill and held the review meeting with the officials. He directed mill to start the operations early as it will help sugarcane farmers.

Reminding the issue of turbines last year, he asked the officials to operate it smoothly. The MP instructed the officials to ensure that there should be no fault in the turbine-like last year.

Sugar mills are all set to commence the crushing season in Uttar Pradesh as they are in the last phase of repair and maintenance work.

Government planning to set up new sugar factory in state: Sanguem MLA Prasad Gaonkar - 20.10.2020

Panaji: The Goa government is planning to set up a new sugar factory in the next four years. Chief minister Pramod Sawant said that the new factory will be set up under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. Sanguem MLA Prasad Gaonkar informed this stating that the mill would be leased out to a private company for operations.

Gaonkar shared the information to the media after he met the chief minister and discussed the issue.

“Sawant has stated that the government would set up a new sugar factory taking the help of the central government and it would be leased out for operations,” he said.

“I had given a proposal to the CM that a private agency is ready to run Sanjivani Sugar mill with minor changes. However he is not keen on the proposal,” he said.

According to the news report published in The Times of India, Gaonkar gave a proposal to the state government that an agency has shown interest to run the factory with minor repairs and that the government should consider this proposal. However, he said the chief minister is not very keen on the proposal.

India needs to export 60 lakh tonnes of sugar as production likely to increase in 2020-21 season: ISMA - 20.10.2020

New Delhi: According to the ISMA’s 1st advance estimate, sugar production is likely to increase in the country. After accounting for the reduction in sugar production due to diversion of cane juice and B-molasses to ethanol, ISMA estimates sugar production in 2020-21 at around 310 lakh tonnes of sugar.

ISMA said, “Since we expect much higher production in 2020-21 SS, India will need to continue to export about 60 lakh tonnes of the surplus sugar out of the country during 2020-21 SS.”

India started the new marketing year with carry forward stocks of 10.64 million tonnes, lower than the 14.58 million tonnes a year ago.

Haryana: Sugarcane farmers demand pending cane arrears - 20.10.2020

Ambala, Haryana: The cane crushing season is about to start but the cane farmers claim they have yet not received cane of around Rs 20 crore from Naraingarh sugar mill.

According to the news report published in The Tribune, last year the cane crushing season in Naraingarh began on November 12. During the crushing season, the mill had crushed 55.33 lakh quintals of sugarcane amounting to Rs 186 crore. The mill had cleared a total Rs 166 crore including the postdated cheques worth Rs 38 crore to the cane farmers.

Rajiv Sharma, spokesman, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) said, “Every season the sugar mill delays cane payment and we are forced to launch an agitation for our dues. The mill authorities said that around Rs 5 to 6 crore will be cleared by the second week of November, but it is going to be a tough task.”

Sugar production for 2020-21 season estimated at 310 lakh tonnes: ISMA - 19.10.2020

New Delhi: In June 2020, ISMA had released its preliminary estimates of net sugar production at 305 lakh tonnes for 2020-21 SS, based on the first survey of satellite mapping carried out in June 2020. This was estimated after considering a diversion of 15 lakh Tonnes of sugar for production of Ethanol using B heavy molasses / juice / syrup.

The second set of satellite images of sugarcane crop acreage across the country has been procured in the 1st week of October 2020. Based on the satellite images so procured, the total acreage under sugarcane in the country is estimated to be around 52.68 lakh hectares in 2020-21 SS, which is about 9% higher than 2019-20 sugar season’s cane area of 48.41 lakh ha.

The same was discussed in the meeting of ISMA on 19th October’2020, wherein representatives from sugar producing States from across the country were present. The images of the cane area, field reports regarding expected yield, sugar recovery, drawal percentage, impact of previous and current year’s rainfall, water availability in reservoirs, and other related aspects were also discussed in detail.

ISMA is accordingly releasing its State–wise 1st Advance estimates of sugar production for the 2020-21 SS. This is without considering reduction of sugar because of diversion of B heavy molasses and sugarcane juice/ syrup into production of ethanol.

Uttar Pradesh, the leading sugarcane producing State in the country, is estimated to have sugarcane area at 23.07 lakh hectares, as against 23.21 lakh ha. in 2019-20 SS, i.e. a marginal decrease by about 0.5%. It is noteworthy that sugar production of the State last year in 2019-20 SS, turned out to be about 5 lakh tonnes more due to higher drawal % of cane by the sugar mills, mainly due to extra cane diversion from Gur / Khandsari manufacturing units to sugar units, owing to premature closure of their operations due to lockdown. In the current year, ISMA is expecting normal drawal % of the cane by the sugar mills as all the Gur / Khandsari units would resume normal operations. Considering the area and normal operations by Gur / Khandsari units, as also the field reports of the overall standing crop, sugar production in U.P. in 2020-21 SS is estimated to be around 124.57 lakh tonnes, as against 126.37 lakh tonnes produced in the 2019-20 SS.

The other major sugar producing State, Maharashtra’s net cane area has gone up by about 48% in 2020-21 SS, which is mainly due to above normal SW and NE monsoon in 2019, followed by normal rainfall from January to March’ 2020. As against the net cane area of 7.76 lakh ha. in 2019-20 SS, area is expected to increase to 11.48 lakh ha in 2020-21 SS. It is noteworthy that during 2019-20 SS, around 0.5 lakh ha cane area was also lost due to floods in July- August’ 2019.

Remarkable increase in cane area clearly suggests a significant increase in new plantation indicating much higher % of plant cane (having higher yield) w.r.t % of ratoon. Further, due to normal pre – Monsoon rainfall ‘2020 followed by normal SW rainfall, and sufficient level of water in reservoirs, overall yield per hectare is expected to go up in the State. Sugar production is, therefore, estimated to be around 108.02 lakh tonnes in 2020-21 SS, as against 61.68 lakh tonnes produced in 2019-20 SS, i.e. higher by about 46.34 lakh tonnes.

Also, due to timely and adequate rainfall, sugarcane area in Karnataka has also increased in 2020-21 SS. Area under sugarcane in 2020-21 SS is expected to be about 5.01 lakh ha as against 4.20 lakh ha. in 2019-20 SS, higher by about 19%. In view of normal SW monsoon in 2020 and sufficient water level in reservoirs as also standing crop condition, sugar production in 2020-21 SS is estimated to be around 46.04 lakh tonnes, as against 34.96 lakh tonnes produced in 2019-20 SS.

Sugarcane area in Tamil Nadu for 2020-21 SS is expected to be more or less similar to that was in 2019-20 SS. As against 2.30 lakh ha area in 2019-20 SS, cane area is about 2.20 lakh ha for 2020-21 SS. Sugar production is, therefore, expected to be around 7.51 lakh tonnes in 2020-21 SS as against 7.90 lakh tonnes produced in 2019-20 SS.

Sugarcane area in Gujarat for 2020-21 SS has increased by about 7% to about 2.01 lakh ha. as against 1.87 lakh ha. in 2019-20 SS. Sugar production is, therefore, expected to be around 10.81 lakh tonnes in 2020-21 SS as against 9.32 lakh tonnes produced in 2019-20 SS.

There has not been any major changes in the other sugarcane growing States of the country. The rainfall therein has been more or less as expected. Hence, these States are expected to collectively produce about 33.28 lakh tonnes of sugar in 2020-21 SS, almost at the same level as in the previous season.

As per above, and as per total sugarcane expected to be available to the sugar industry for making sugar, ISMA estimates sugar production of 330.23 lakh tonnes of sugar in the season 2020-21.

The above estimation of 330.23 lakh tonnes of sugar production is based on total sugarcane expected to be crushed by sugar mills in 2020-21 SS. However, since a significant quantity of sugarcane juice and B-molasses will be diverted into ethanol production, a proportionate quantity of sugar production will get reduced. With higher availability of sugarcane and surplus sugar production, it is estimated that a larger quantity of cane juice / syrup and B-molasses will get diverted to ethanol. Accordingly, it is estimated that the diversion of cane juice and B-molasses to ethanol will reduce sugar production by 20 lakh tonnes in 2020-21 SS, as compared to about 8 lakh tonnes diverted in 2019-20 SS. However, ISMA will get a better idea of this diversion once the tenders happen and bids are given by millers for ethanol supplies.

Therefore, after accounting for the reduction in sugar production due to diversion of cane juice and B-molasses to ethanol, ISMA estimates sugar production in 2020-21 at around 310 lakh tonnes of sugar.

With an opening balance as on 1st Oct. 2019 of 145.80 lakh tonnes, sugar production for the season 2019-20 of around 274.2 lakh tonnes, domestic sales of around 257 lakh tonnes and exports of around 56.5 lakh tonnes during the season, the opening stocks as on 1st Oct, 2020, is estimated to be around 106.4 lakh tonnes.

The OB of about 106.4 lakh tonnes on 1st Oct. 2020, will be 39 lakh tonnes less than the opening stock as on 1st Oct 2019. However, the OB for 2020-21 of the 106.4 lakh tonnes is still 55 lakh tonnes more than the domestic requirement for the initial months of next season, till when new season’s sugar does not get fully available in the market.

Since, we expect much higher production in 2020-21 SS, India will need to continue to export about 60 lakh tonnes of the surplus sugar out of the country during 2020-21 SS.

The sugarcane crushing for the season 2020-21 is expected to start soon. Therefore, a better picture would emerge after a few months when actual trend of yields and sugar recoveries would become available. As has been the practice, ISMA will again review the sugarcane and sugar production estimates in January 2021, when the trends of the above are available.

Haryana: Management aims to run sugar mill without breakdown - 19.10.2020

Gohana, Haryana: Chaudhary Devilal sugar mill is planning to commence the crushing season from the second week of November. In the upcoming season, mill officials are focused on running it without a breakdown. Therefore, management is ensuring that machines should run smoothly. On Saturday, MD Ashish Vashisht paid a visit to the mill to check repair and maintenance work.

According to the news report published in Jagran.com, “Mill has been built for the benefit of farmers. Our priority would be to run the mill without breakdown. Small spare parts used in the machines have been provided in advance. All engineers and other employees are working sincerely

Indian sugar industry guru Yatin Wadhwana sees Indian sugar exports viable without any Govt. assistance - 19.10.2020

The global sugar market has started showing signs of improvement after a long-lasting blow from the covid-19 pandemic. However there are yet some underscoring concerns that are eyed around the world. In talks with ChiniMandi News, Indian Sugar Industry Guru – Mr. Yatin Wadhwana – Director, Gradient Commercial Pvt. Ltd. shared his views on some of them.

Speaking on how he sees the global sugar scenario and the price trend in the coming days he shared, “Apart from the main issue of the COVID-19 Pandemic which has impacted Sugar consumption, Crude Oil Prices and Production (in some areas), there are many other factors which have been affecting the World Sugar Market.

Quite unrelated to the Pandemic is the continued impact of low Rains in Thailand, who’s Crop for 2020-21 has been downgraded to about 65 mln MT crush v/s an already reduced crop during 2019-20. Similarly we have seen the effects of weather on the EU crop for the 2020-21 season, with production numbers being reduced.

On the other hand, Brazil has been maximizing their Sugar production v/s Ethanol due to the low Crude Oil Price and the Weaker Real. This has meant that a single origin (Brazil) has become the only source of sugar for the world market which is not healthy for any market.

Of course, the elephant in the room is the huge projected crop in India and the decision of the Indian Govt. to incentivize the export of the surplus. Although the market has been expecting the Indian Govt. to announce an Export Policy and an incentive, for more than 4 weeks no such announcement has come which has been one of the main factors which has been driving world sugar prices.

So, looking forward, my personal view is that as long as there is no announcement from India the global sugar market will continue to rally up to a point where consumption starts to take a hit or Indian sugar can come out without any Govt. assistance.”

Answering on whether the delay in export policy of India will redirect demand to Brazil he said, “For the moment, any further delay in announcing the Indian Export Policy will divert demand away from India to not only Brazil, but also to the Coastal Refiners in India and the Sugar Refineries in the Region (for White Sugar).”

In a recent virtual conference there was a statement, “India could be the ‘Black Swan’ if there is difficulty with the export policy or it is delayed as it is right now.” Commenting on the same, he said, “Indeed the Indian Export policy announcement (or the lack of it) will be treated as a “Black Swan” event, as for the last 2 years the Indian Govt. has been announcing its Export Policy well in time for the commencement of the new crop and the elements of the policy have been fairly consistent so the market had been expecting a similar move this year.

In the event that India delays or does not announce an Export Policy the World market will rally to a point where Indian Sugar exports become viable without incentives. But one must remember that Indian Domestic prices will also breach the Minimum Selling Price (MSP) levels set by the Govt. as it will become increasingly difficult for the Indian sugar mills to store and finance the excess sugar produced, which will mean that export parity levels will also be lowered.”

On being asked what price level will India be able to export if there is no assistance for sugar exports, he answered, “If we take the current domestic MSP price i.e. ₹3100/Qntl and assume that it is the breakeven level for the Mills to Export, then the FOB values for Indian White Sugar should be around USD 450 PMT. However, as I mentioned before the Domestic MSP is likely to be breached due to the large stock levels, in addition the sugar mills will also look at cash flow and interest implications to arrive at export values. So, one can be very sure that Indian White sugar will be offered at much lower levels to the $450.”

Suggesting on what steps the Govt. needs to take for the sugar industry given the need of the hour, “The Govt. has made an excellent beginning with implementing the Ethanol Blending Programme where all the excess Sucrose is diverted to Ethanol by incentivizing its production from Cane Juice and “B” Heavy Molasses, however, given the financial health of the Sugar sector in general it will take some time for the production capacities to be built up and until such time the Govt. needs to continue its policy of Export incentives on sugar to enable the Industry to liquidate their stocks and pay their cane dues.” Wadhwana said.

Libberheri sugar mill clears cane dues of Rs 15 crores - 19.10.2020

Roorkee, Uttarakhand: With the commencement of the new crushing season, many sugar mills across India have not cleared the cane dues. In Uttarakhand as well, many cane growers claim they have not received the pending sugarcane arrears.

In the state, many sugar mills are rushing to raise funds to pay the dues of the farmers before starting the new season. Sugarcane farmers attach with Libberheri sugar mill got relief as it has cleared the 15 crores cane dues.

According to the news report published, Anil Kumar Singh, GM (Cane) said, “15 crores rupees have been paid by the sugar mill. Farmers will get this payment by next week. Also, efforts are on by mill administration to clear the pending cane arrears too.

Demand to clear sugarcane dues before Diwali - 19.10.2020

Farmers associated with Bhartiya Kisan Union (Annadata) staged a protest on Saturday afternoon demanding cane price payment. They also submitted the memorandum to the Deputy Collector.

Addressing the farmers, the Yuva state president, Usman Ali Pasha, said that the new crushing season is all set to begin but farmers have not been paid for the previous season. Many festivals are around the corner but farmers don’t have money to celebrate the same. Sugar mills should clear the dues before Diwali.

Sugarcane truck drivers hold protest against toll fee collection - 17.10.2020

Mysore: The truck drivers and farmers under the banner of Bannari Amman Sugar Factory Lorry Owners Association launched a protest on Wednesday night at a toll plaza on Mysuru-Nanjangud highway for toll fee collection.

They withdrew protest after the NHAI authorities assured them that a discount toll fee of Rs. 40 would be charged for a sugarcane-laden truck and no toll would be collected for empty trucks. Heavy traffic jams were witnessed on the highway for a brief period during the demonstration.

According to the news report published in Starofmysore.com, Rajshekhar, secretary of the organization said, “No toll fee was being collected from trucks transporting agriculture produce at any Toll Plaza in the State except at Kadakola Toll Plaza on Mysuru-Nanjangud Road. When farmers are already suffering financial losses due to Covid-19, how they can pay the toll fee.”

Sugar mills opt for machine harvesters - 17.10.2020

Aurangabad: Due to restrictions on the availability of farm workers, sugar mills are now opting for mechanized harvesters.

The crushing season in the state started on 15th October. But the workers, mostly from Marathwada, have reservations about travelling to the sugar belt of western Maharashtra.

According to the news report published in The Times of India, those associated with the industry have cited the pandemic as well as a drop in the output by the sugarcane cutters as the key reasons for sugar mills to start looking for harvesting machines.

In crushing season 2020-21, the sugar mills are likely to emphasise on harvesting machines rather than depending on the labours for cutting sugarcane crop.

In Maharashtra, around 6.50 lakh cane harvesters are engaged in cane crushing activities. But due to covid-19, and protest from cane cutters organisation in the state for their various demands, it is uncertain whether they will participate in the crushing season.

Rain damages sugarcane and other crops in Belagavi - 17.10.2020

Belgavi, Karnataka: Incessant rainfall in the district in the last few days have damaged sugarcane and other crops leading to the loss of over Rs 315 crore. Apart from the crops, many houses have also been damaged and collapsed in the downpour.

According to the news report published in Newindianexpress.com, sugarcane and other crops in more than 35,000 hectares were badly damaged in many parts of the district.

Also over the past few days, heavy rains are causing trouble to farmers in central and south Maharashtra as well as the Konkan region.

Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana to hold sugarcane convention on November 2 - 17.10.2020

Kolhapur: Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) will be organizing its 19th sugarcane convention on November 2 at Jaysingpur town in Hatkanangale taluka of Kolhapur district.

Addressing the media, SSS leader and former MP Raju Shetti said that he has already written a letter to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray to grant him permission to organize a convention.

The sugarcane convention organized by SSS is one of the major annual events for the cane farmers where they decide the future course of action and the rates to be given by sugar mills.

He said, “The convention’s objective is to fix the Fair and Remunerative Price(FRP)’s first installment for the sugarcane produce. The time has come for taking to legal recourse as well as agitation, because sugarcane producers are being forced to sign on blank papers for conceding to accept the FRP in installments.”

Sugarcane department to curb menace of under weighment at Cane purchasing centers - 17.10.2020

Lucknow: In larger interest of sugarcane farmers, the Commissioner, Cane and Sugar shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy has intensified exercise to eradicate the evil of under-weighment in crushing season 2020-21. Comprehensive instructions have been issued to district administration and departmental officers regarding putting a complete check on the under weighment at Cane purchasing centers.

Providing information in this regard, the Cane Commissioner told that licenses of weighment clerks will be issued by the concerned District Magistrates and will be made available to the sugar mills 15 days before the cane purchasing center is operated. While weighing sugarcane at the purchasing center, the photo identity card along with the license will be compulsorily kept by the weighment clerks. The Database of the weighment clerks whose licenses have been issued will be uploaded on the ERP website by concerned Assistant Sugar Commissioner.

The Cane Commissioner also informed that to ensure transparency, fortnightly transfer of weighment clerks will be done through E.R.P. and the list will be uploaded on the ERP website and will also be circulated on social media. Instructions has also been given for non-issuance of license in case of license being canceled or penalized in the last 05 years and and not to post local resident, at the purchasing center. Occupier of sugar mills will ensure installation of manual weighbridges of minimum 10 ton capacity at sugar mill gate for comparative checking by farmers. Instructions have been issued for daily pasting of acknowledgement sheet of purchies to be weighed on purchasing center.

In case under weighment is found during inspection, then the difference cane price realization will be ensured by assistant sugar commissioner and to maintain the purity and sanctity of electronic weighbridges, weight and Measurement department will ensure Stamping and sealing of the weighbridges. The information of Cane weighment ,cane payment and Bank account number etc. will be made available to the farmers on the telephone numbers through S.M.S. under smart weighment so that farmers may know the weight and price of their Cane.

Instructions have been issued to establish a control room and post a senior cane officer in the sugar mills. This will facilitate the farmers in getting their cane supply information at each purchase center. Control room toll free number 1800-121-3203 and mobile numbers of District and Regional officers will be displayed so that in case of any problem, farmer may contact the authorities. In case under weighment is found, the FIR will be lodged against sugar mill alongwith original equipment manufacturer of weighbridges, software provider & A.M.C. providing company.

In order to prevent spread of Covid-19, Commissioner, Cane & Sugar Shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy has also issued instructions to maintain social distancing, use of masks and follow up of instruction passed by Health Department and the Government from time to time. The Sugar Mill will ensure arrangements of Sanitizer and soap & water at all Cane purchasing centers.

Heavy rainfall affects crops in Maharashtra - 16.10.2020

Pune: Over the past few days, heavy rains are causing trouble to farmers in central and south Maharashtra as well as the Konkan region. According to the media reports, heavy rains have caused damage to standing crops in eight districts of the state. More than 1.23 lakh hectare of area under cultivation has been affected. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that rains will continue to shower for the next few days.

Standing crops including sugarcane from Pune, Sangli, Satara, Kolhapur and other parts of the state have been impacted. Farmers have reported water logging in their fields.

The government is yet to initiate the loss assessment of the crops which would provide the actual loss incurred due to heavy rainfall.
The state has received 1,129.3 mm rainfall since June as compared to 1,036.3 mm normally.

Uttarakhand: Farmers demand pending cane arrears from Uttarakhand sugar mills - 16.10.2020

Farmers demand pending cane arrears from sugar mill

Gohan, Uttarakhand: Sugarcane farmers are still awaiting the cane arrears from the sugar mill. Farmers under the leadership of State Vice President Satyavan Narwal met Tehsildar and submitted the memorandum of their demands addressing the Chief Minister and Prime Minister.

According to the news report published in Amarujala.com, “Cane farmers had sold their cane to the sugar mill based in Iqbalpur in season 2016-17. Three years have passed but yet mill has not cleared the cane dues. We demand to clear the pending arrears soon or else we launch a protest.”

Pending sugarcane arrears: Licences of sugar mills on hold - 16.10.2020

Pune: Taking action against the sugar mills that have failed to clear the pending cane arrears, the Maharashtra government has put on hold the licenses of sugar mills in the state.

Sugarcane crushing season commenced in the state and mills are doing their best to raise funds to clear the pending arrears.

According to the news report published in The Times of India, Shekhar Gaikwad, state sugar commissioner said, “We have granted licenses to 90 sugar mills that have cleared the cane dues of the farmers.”

20 sugar factories had paid the cane dues in the past three days after their licences were put on hold. As many as 190 sugar mills had applied for crushing licenses for season 2020-21.

Uttar Pradesh mulls to produce ethanol directly from sugarcane juice - 16.10.2020

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh government in order to reduce the sugar glut is planning to produce ethanol directly from the sugarcane juice.

According to the news report published in The Times of India, Sanjay Bhoosreddy, additional chief secretary, cane development said, “The proposal is in the stage of inter-departmental consultation. A formal policy will have to be framed to allow the production of ethanol directly from cane juice. The Centre has already mooted the broader policy framework.”

Following the central government’s policy to promote ethanol production, the sugar millers from Uttar Pradesh are encouraged to increase the capacity of ethanol production. To strengthen the financial condition of sugar mills and cut oil imports, the Government is emphasising on ethanol production.

Karnataka: Sugarcane farmers demand SAP of Rs 3300 per tonne - 16.10.2020

Bengaluru, Karnataka: The delay in fixing the sugarcane State advisory price (SAP) for 2020–21 season has angered farmers as crushing of cane has begun at sugar mills. The farmers have demanded SAP for sugarcane to Rs 3,300 per tonne.

According to the news report published in Thehindu.com, in a meeting between the cane farmers and the government under the leadership of Sugar and Labour Minister Shivaram Hebbar remained inconclusive on Thursday. Hebbar, however, promised the farmers to consider their demand after consulting with Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa.

The Centre had recently announced the fair and remunerative price (FRP) of sugarcane at Rs 2,850 a tonne for a recovery rate of 10 per cent.

BKU stages demonstration for pending cane arrears - 16.10.2020

Basti, Uttar Pradesh: Sugarcane farmers under the banner of Bhartiya Kisan Union launched sit-in agitation outside the gate of Vikas Bhavan on Wednesday. The agitation was called off after the government officials assured them that the sugar mills would clear the pending cane arrears by October 31.

According to the news report published in Amarujala.com, Subhash Chandra Kisan, Divisional president of BKU said, “Sugar mills have yet not cleared the pending cane arrears. We want our dues to be cleared in time.”

Sugarcane farmers want sugar mills to start operations soon - 15.10.2020

Amroha, Uttar Pradesh: The BKU (Asli) officials submitted a memorandum to District Sugarcane Officer Hemendra Pratap Singh regarding various problems of sugarcane of farmers.

Meanwhile, BKU District President Chaudhary Mahavir Singh said that sugar mills have not commenced operations yet, therefore mills should start the operations soon.

He asked sugar mills to clear pending cane dues and also demanded to raise sugarcane price upto Rs 450 per quintal.

Cane development contribution of Co-operative Sugar Mills Societies to be used for construction of sugar godowns along with cane development works - 15.10.2020

Lucknow: Commissioner, Cane and Sugar, Shri Sanjay.R. Bhoosreddy told that with a view to solve the problem of storage of sugar in the cooperative sugar mills of Uttar Pradesh, Government has issued an order regarding the use of Cane development contribution received by the cooperative sugar mill societies of the state on the supply of cane to the sugar mills. According to the Government Order, the 40% expenditure of the Cane Development contribution will be used in Management work, and the remaining 60 percent of the funds will be used for cane development works, providing quality seeds, fertilizers, medicines and agricultural implements etc. to farmers, as well as for the construction of sugar godowns.

He also informed that with this amount, cane development works will be done first. And after this, godowns will be constructed for sugar storage. Godowns rent will be paid by the cooperative sugar mills to the sugar mill Societies at the prevailing market rate. Under this scheme, sugar godowns are proposed to be constructed in 05 Cooperative sugar mills in the first phase. It is proposed to construct godowns of 1 lakh quintal capacity each at four cooperative sugar mills – Gajraula (Amroha), Belraya (Lakhimpur Kheri), Tilhar (Shahjahanpur) and Nanauta (Saharanpur) and of 50 thousand quintal capicity at Kayamganj (Farrukhabad).

Cane Commissioner told that both Sugar Mills and cooperative sugar mill societies will be mutually benefited by this arrangement. On one hand there will be savings in storage, transportation and road insurance expenses etc. in sugar mills, while on the other hand, cooperative sugar mill societies will generate a source of regular income in the form of rent from these godowns.

Government encouraging ethanol production - 15.10.2020

Kanpur: National Sugar Institute, Kanpur organized a national webinar on a very important topic “A step Ahead Toward a Future fuel” today in collaboration with Indian Sugar Mills Association. Inaugurating the webinar, Shri Sudhanshu Pandey, Secretary (Food & Public Distribution), Government of India stressed upon reducing dependence on imported crude oil. Indian Govt. has chalked out the EBP program in a phased manner i.e., by 2022 the blending target is 10% and by 2030 it is to be raised to 20%. In order to achieve the goal of EBP10 and subsequently of EBP 20, there is need for adding ethanol capacities and developing alternate feed stocks. The potential of maize abundance availability can be harnessed for ethanol production which will help the farmers in getting good rates of their produce, he added.

Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary (Sugar), Government of India in his address informed that in order to boost ethanol availability during the last one year or so, 362 proposals for a loan amount of over 18,000 crores have been approved which may result in adding about 600 crore litre ethanol capacity per annum. Prof. Narendra Mohan, Director, National Sugar Institute suggested that without inviting “Food vs Fuel” debate, surplus grains viz. rice and maize can be used for production of ethanol. With rice and maize, it is possible to attain average ethanol yields of 450 liter/ton and 380 liters/ton with a valuable by-product, Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles (DDGS) to be used as cattle feed. Since only a limited quantity of ethanol can be produced using molasses from sugar industry, development of alternate feed stocks like surplus grain, sweet potato, sugar beet, sweet sorghum and cassava is important.

Shri Vivek Pittie, President, Indian Sugar Mills Association while appreciating the efforts made by the government in encouraging ethanol production suggested that for using feed stocks other than molasses, the distilleries are to be converted into “Dual Feed Stock Based Distilleries” and thus government may consider grant of financial assistance besides ensuring good prices of the ethanol made from such feed stocks. Dr. Sujay Rakshit, Director, Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana made a presentation on availability of maize in different regions of the country and suggested construction of ethanol units based on availability of a particular feed stock in the region.

Shri Atul Mulay, President, M/s Praj Industries, Pune and Shri Sanjay Desai, Managing Director, M/s Excel Industries, Pune made presentations on conversion of existing molasses based distilleries into “Dual Feed Stock Based Distilleries” working on molasses and grains. Technology is not a barrier but the project cost of such distilleries shall be higher by around 20-25% to those of molasses based distilleries, they said. Dr. (Mrs) Seema Paroha, Prof. Biochemistry, National Sugar Institute also made a presentation about potential feed stocks which can be used for ethanol production. Use of such alternate feed stock shall help in improving the capacity utilization of the ethanol units and hence better economic sustainability of these units also, she said.

Delay in announcement of sugar export policy likely to impact India in global sugar market - 15.10.2020

With the commencement of the new sugar season, the Indian sugar industry has been eagerly awaiting the announcement of the export policy which has been delayed. According to reports the Government is yet to pay a substantial number of dues against the assistance of exports for the sugar season 2019-2020. Sugar millers are on the edge and exporters have been left anxious on demand from importing countries.

In talks with ChiniMandi News, a veteran who does not want his name to be mentioned shared his views on delay on announcement of the export policy. He said “The announcement on export policy appears to be delayed. Probably the Government wants to be sure of the funds that will be required. Delay will definitely impact the quantity that we can put in the world market and consequently the ability of the mills to pay the farmers. Domestic prices have started to fall and in some states we are even witnessing mills selling below Minimum Selling Price (MSP) even before the start of the sugar season. Low domestic prices will definitely increase cane arrears.”

“I believe that the Government would be looking at a similar program to that of the last season. For one it worked well and almost all the targeted quantity was exported. Disbursements are slow and this is often a challenge but should get sorted out. Early exporters have got their dues in major part and I expect them to lead the export program again. Storage is a major challenge and with a large crop expected it will help to reduce inventories. Payments for this year’s assistance will have to be made next year and I expect things to improve by then.” He further added.

Bijnor: DM asks sugar mills to clear cane dues - 15.10.2020

Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh: DM Ramakant Pandey has warned the sugar millers to clear the pending cane arrears before starting the crushing season. He recently called the meeting of the representatives of the sugar mills in the district and asked them to clear pending cane dues.

According to the news report published in Amarujala.com, he also took a review of the preparations done by the sugar mills and asked them to ensure that they are technically well prepared for the upcoming season. He warned that strict action will be taken against the millers if they fail to clear the pending cane arrears within the stipulated time.

MLA demands an increase in crushing capacity of mills - 15.10.2020

Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh: Dalveer Singh, MLA from Aligarh, has demanded to hike crushing capacity of sugar mills. He met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to discuss various issues.

According to the news report published in Amarujala.com, MLA made CM aware of the farmers suffering. He said sugarcane farmers are very upset due to non-timely crushing of sugarcane due to repeated technical breakdown of sugar mill machines. And also the machines are very old, therefore there is a need to install new machines of higher capacity, which will prove helpful for sugarcane farmers.”

Sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh are all set to commence cane crushing season.

Heavy rains leave sugarcane farmers worried - 15.1.2020

The Deep Depression originating in the Bay of Bengal has brought constant heavy rains in lashed out parts of Hyderabad and Telangana. Parts of Karnataka, Central Maharashtra, Southern Maharashtra, South Konkan and Goa have been experiencing heavy showers leaving citizens worried.

According to latest reports, heavy rains have damaged crops likes paddy, soyabean maize and redgram around Telangana. In Maharshtra, heavy rains across Solapur, Satara and Kolhapur too have damaged crops including sugarcane. Farmers are left worried whether their crops would survive.

The IMD has predicted extremely heavy rainfall (>20 cm per day) at isolated places over Konkan & Goa, heavy to very heavy falls at isolated places over coastal Karnataka and heavy falls at isolated places over Madhya Maharashtra and south Gujarat on October 15, 2020.

Spatial rainfall distribution:
Isolated: ≤25%,
A few: 26-50%,
Many: 51-75%, Most: 76-100%

Rainfall amount (mm):
Heavy rain: 64.5 – 115.5,
Very heavy rain: 115.6 – 204.4,
Extremely heavy rain: 204.5 or more

Pending cane arrears: Sugar mills to raise money from banks - 14.10.2020

Lucknow: Sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh are struggling to clear cane arrears. They claim to be under financial distress. Now, mills are looking at the bank for financial help.

According to the news report published in Businessstandard.com, cash-starved cooperative sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh will raise nearly Rs 3,650 crore from the banks in the coming 2020-21 sugarcane crushing season to pay farmers for the procurement of the cash crop. The projected loans/cash-credit limit of Rs 3,650 crore is 13 per cent higher compared to the amount of Rs 3,221 crore in the previous crushing season (2019-20). For the cash-credit facility, the state government will stand as guarantor.

Sugar mills in the state are all set to commence the operations, but few of them have not cleared the cane dues. Sugarcane farmers say that due to pending cane arrears they are under financial distress and are unable to meet their daily needs. Mills claim they have been affected by the Covid-19 and low sugar sales.

BKU asks sugar mills to start operations this month only - 14.10.2020

Rahra, Amroha (Uttar Pradesh): BKU office bearers have demanded that the sugar mills should start operations by October 25. The demand was raised in the meeting organized at their office on Sunday afternoon. They have threatened to launch an agitation if the mills fail to start operations by October end.

According to the news report published in LiveHindustan.com, Tehsil President Thakur Mahesh Singh said, “The sugar mills in the region should start operations by October 25 and also they should clear the pending cane arrears before starting the operations.”

Recovery certificate issued against sugar mills for being negligent in cane price payment - 14.10.2020

Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: In compliance of the instructions of Hon’ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Hon’ble Minister of Sugar industry& Cane Development Shri Suresh Rana has given directions to take strict action against the mills those are negligent in cane price payment. In this order, Commissioner, Cane and Sugar, Shri Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy told that Cane price payment of the farmers is the top priority of the Government. Keeping this in mind, daily review of Cane price payment is being done at the Government level and by nodal officers at headquarters level, by deputy Cane Commissioner and District Cane officer at regional and district level. So far, about 80 percent of the Cane price payment for the crushing season 2019-20 has been made to the farmers and for the remaining payment, the exercise has been intensified by pressurizing the Sugar Mills.

While providing detailed information in this regard, Commissioner, Cane and Sugar, Shri Bhoosreddy said that due to the speedy payment process, the payment of nearly 80 sugar mills has reached more than 85 percent, and some of the sugar mills have also been made 100% payment. These Sugar Mills will get an amount of about Rs.3,000 crore of three schemes of Government of India like buffer subsidy, production subsidy, transport subsidy and MAEQ which will be directly transferred to the account of Cane farmers. Similarly, about Rs.1,000 crore will be sent directly to the accounts of cane farmers through Escrow account after receiving against the Co-gen dues from Energy Department. Due to which the payment of these sugar mills will become 100 percent.

He also told that during the tenure of present Government a record Cane Price Payment of Rs.1,07,059 crore has been made to the cane farmers till now. The Government has ensured payment of Rs.35,423 crore in 2017-2018, Rs.33,048 crore in 2018-19 and Rs.27,928 crore in the crushing season 2019-2020 as well as Rs. 10,659 crore cane price has been paid of previous crushing seasons.

Shri Bhoosreddy said that the departmental officers are doing continuous exercise by pressurizing Sugar Mills to get payment at the earliest. For being negligent in Cane Price Payment recovery certificate have been issued against sugar mills Sujanpur-Badaun of Yadu Group, Chilwariya-Bahraich of Simbhavali Group, ModiNagar-Ghazibad of Modi Group and Rudhauli-Basti of Bajaj Group under Sections 17 (4) and 18 (3) of Uttar Pradesh Sugarcane (Supply and Purchase Regulation) Act, 1953.

It is also notable that the Cane price payment is the top priority of the Government and the Government is committed and determined to ensure timely payment to Cane farmers of the State.

Asian Association of Sugar Cane Technologists’ (AASCT) announces webinar on “Opportunities & Challenges on Ethanol Blending Program” - 14.10.2020

With the kick off of the sugar season 2020-21 the Indian sugar industry appears to be upbeat about production of ethanol. Various organizations are building strategies and technical solutions needed to scale up the production of ethanol and hear fresh perspectives in the biofuels industry.

The Asian Association of Sugar Cane Technologists’ (AASCT) in association with National Sugar Institute as a Knowledge Partner have organized a webinar on “Ethanol Blending Program – How do we go to the next stage – Opportunities & Challenges and its viability and sustainability” on 7th November 2020 from 11am to 1:30pm.

Mr. P.K. N. Singh Secretary General, ASSCT and Convener of the webinar reported in a conversation, “The agenda is very clear, we want to make and pursue the ethanol blending program successful for the sustainability of the sugar industry.”

The webinar includes discussion on topics like Bio-Ethanol from Sugar Industry- Issues & Remedies, Bioethanol–Sustainable Production with Present and Future Option, The Solar Fuel – Ethanol: Better Late Than Never, A Brief Overview of Indian Ethanol Scenario – The Road Ahead, New Technologies for Achieving Lowest Steam Consumption and Zero Effluent Discharge in Molasses & Grain Distilleries, Zero Liquid & Solid Discharge- An Eco-Friendly and Profitable Success Story, Ethanol Blending Program- Opportunities, Challenges, Viability and Sustainability

The Speakers for the event are:
Mr. Narendra Mohan, Director, National Sugar Institute, Kanpur
Mr. M. K. Gaur, Addl. GM, Distillery, BCM
Prof. Satinder Kaur, Sugar & Alcohol Technology Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
Mr. Jai Uppal, Former Director-General, Indian, Federation of Green Energy,
Mr. Prashant Ghodake, Designer & Consultant, Excel Engineers & Consultants, Pune
Dr. Arvind Krishna, Director, BCM
Mr. S. Karthik Kumar, Manager-Process Design Avant-Garde Systems and Controls Pvt. Ltd., Chennai

For registration and more details: Prof. Kaman Singh (Coordinator) +91 9415409189
Website : www.aasct.org | Email : info@assct.org

Sugarcane workers strike may impact crushing season - 14.10.2020

Pune: As many as 15 lakh sugarcane labourers from Maharashtra have gone on strike demanding higher wages. This may affect the sugarcane crushing season which is all set to start from October 15.

At present, the workers get Rs 239 per tonne for cutting cane. The workers want Rs 400 per tonne for harvesting sugarcane, the rate at which the harvester machines are deployed. Workers say that the coronavirus pandemic has weakened their financial condition and need a hike in wages. The labour contractors have also demanded a hike in the commission from 18.5 per cent to 30 per cent.

According to the news report published in Financialexpress.com, D L Karad, president, Sugarcane cutters and Transport Workers Union has demanded that the wages should be hiked before starting the crushing season.

BKU raises sugar mill’s expansion issue - 13.10.2020

Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh: Bhartiya Kisan Union, an organization fighting for farmers’ rights, has raised the issue of delay in repair of the sugar mill. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of BKU District President Ramashankar Chaudhary.

Chaudhary said, “Despite sending a repeated memorandum to the government officials, our demands are being neglected. We are not happy with the repair work of the sugar mill.”

Senior District Vice President Baba Sandeep Srivastava said, “This is the only cooperative sugar mill in the district and we want sugar mill expansion during this crushing season. We would launch an agitation if our demands are not met.”

Farmers demand sugar mills to start operations till October end - 13.10.2020

Rahra, Jyotiba Phule Nagar: Farmers under the banner of Bhartiya Kisan Union have demanded that the sugar mills should start cane crushing till October end and not delay the operations.

On Sunday, District President Chaudhary Rampal Singh said that all sugar mills in the area should be started by the end of October. The sugar mills should clear pending cane dues before starting cane crushing. Also, sugarcane farmers should be allowed to sell their cane to other sugar mills.

Air pollution issue: Administration takes step to stop stubble burning - 13.10.2020

Ambala: Considering the rise in the pollution due to the stubble burning by the farmers, the agricultural and farmer welfare department has initiated a project to collect the stubble. The project has been launched on a pilot basis in two villages of Ambala. The farmers are being familiarized with the chaff cutters and balers – machines that compress crop residue into compact bales which are easy to store or transport.

According to the media report, these are now being taken to a sugar mill in Naraingarh for power generation. As a part of the project, through a private firm, farmers will be encouraged to sell their paddy stubble to the mill.

As per the news report published in Hindustan Times, Girish Nagpal, deputy director of agriculture (DDA) said Bada and Ugada villages from Ambala district have been chosen for the pilot project. He said, “Stubble worth Rs 1,800 per tonne is being delivered to the sugar mill under a contract, after which the profit will be given to the farmers after deducting the expenses of the baler machines. Broadly, farmers will get a profit of around Rs 500 per acre from this project.”

Bihar: Demand to start closed sugar mill - 13.10.2020

Purnia: Sugarcane farmers are awaiting for the reopening of Banmankhi sugar mill, which was closed around 30 years ago. It was one of the biggest sugar mills in Asia. As the election is around the corner, political parties are assuring farmers and workers regarding the commencement of the sugar mill. The revival plan has raised a ray of hope of the people associated with this mill.

It is expected that the mill would generate employment to the local youths and benefit lakhs of sugarcane farmers and their families.

Nitish government claims that they are in process of reviving the defunct sugar mills in Bihar for the welfare of people.

STAI’s 78th Annual Convention & International Sugar Expo to take place from 20th to 21st October 2020, - 13.10.2020

78th Annual Convention by STAI to take place from 20th to 21st October 2020
The most awaited and flagship event of The Sugar Technologists Association of India – 78th Annual Convention and International Sugar Expo 2020 will be held from 20th to 21st October 2020.

For the safety and convenience of the members, this year the convention is being held in a dynamic interactive 3D virtual environment due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic. This will provide the delegates a secure online experience from the com