“As far as UP is concerned, we do not have too much of investment in UP except perhaps one mill. But in Maharashtra and Karnataka, this is not an issue. As far as Maharashtra and Karnataka is concerned, we have reasonably good rains and we are hoping that this year the production could actually bounce back in Maharashtra and both in Karnataka,” says Atul Chaturvedi, Shree Renuka Sugars.
Let us get in a sense from you as to what exactly this red rot disease in sugarcane is. Can you explain? Is there any solution for it?
Atul Chaturvedi: Red rot has been around in UP for almost three years now. And it is confined to small little areas in central UP. So, I do not think it is something which is a cause of big worry. Largely it happens in the flood prone areas. So, in fact, the disease is carried by water, that is what I understand. And this year also in some small pockets, this has been noticed. But I was talking to my friends in UP, it is not something on which we need to worry too much because farmers in the last three-four years have learned to live with it and to control it. And one of the basic methods of controlling is to keep changing the variety of the cane which is planted. So, I do not think it is something which is a big cause of worry as of now.
Atul Chaturvedi: Red rot has been around in UP for almost three years now. And it is confined to small little areas in central UP. So, I do not think it is something which is a cause of big worry. Largely it happens in the flood prone areas. So, in fact, the disease is carried by water, that is what I understand. And this year also in some small pockets, this has been noticed. But I was talking to my friends in UP, it is not something on which we need to worry too much because farmers in the last three-four years have learned to live with it and to control it. And one of the basic methods of controlling is to keep changing the variety of the cane which is planted. So, I do not think it is something which is a big cause of worry as of now.
Will there be any impact of this red rot disease on your own business and the sugar industry? You said that they have got used to it, but still what could be the implications?
Atul Chaturvedi: As far as UP is concerned, we do not have too much of investment in UP except perhaps one mill. But in Maharashtra and Karnataka, this is not an issue. As far as Maharashtra and Karnataka is concerned, we have reasonably good rains and we are hoping that this year the production could actually bounce back in Maharashtra and both in Karnataka. Our major investments are in this region, not in UP.
Atul Chaturvedi: As far as UP is concerned, we do not have too much of investment in UP except perhaps one mill. But in Maharashtra and Karnataka, this is not an issue. As far as Maharashtra and Karnataka is concerned, we have reasonably good rains and we are hoping that this year the production could actually bounce back in Maharashtra and both in Karnataka. Our major investments are in this region, not in UP.
Any expectations of the budget? We hear that in the second last week of July is when the budget may be scheduled. Are you expecting relaxations for the sugar industry or any other positive announcements?
Atul Chaturvedi: As far as budget is concerned, nowadays most of the decisions are actually taken during the course of the year administratively. So, as far as budget is concerned, budget is no longer the budget which it used to be 10-15 years back. Nowadays, all the decisions get taken during the course of the year itself. So, I do not see too much of action as far as the budget is concerned on the agri space.
Atul Chaturvedi: As far as budget is concerned, nowadays most of the decisions are actually taken during the course of the year administratively. So, as far as budget is concerned, budget is no longer the budget which it used to be 10-15 years back. Nowadays, all the decisions get taken during the course of the year itself. So, I do not see too much of action as far as the budget is concerned on the agri space.
